LIGHT FOR A THANKFUL LIFE (6)

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS to God the Father through Him” – Col.3:17

Our words and actions as Believers must be guided by the LIGHT for a THANKFUL LIFE: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS to God the Father through Him” (Col.3:16-17). Each of verses 15 to 17 ends with Thankfulness. Verse 15 is about letting the peace of Christ rule.  It ends with being thankful.  Verse 16 is about letting the Word of Christ dwell.  It ends with being thankful.  Verse 17 is about doing it all for Jesus.  It ends with being thankful!

The Word of Christ is meant to dwell in Believers through study, meditation, and application of the Word. If His Word is to dwell in us, it must first enter us. We are to believe it, live it, and let it soak in. God’s Word will transform our lives if we let it dwell in us richly. When they become part of us, they flow naturally as psalms (songs from the Old Testament), hymns (songs of praise to God), and spiritual songs (expressions of Bible truth) with thankfulness. We may sing to please ourselves or others, but we must sing in thanksgiving to God. By allowing Christ to dwell in us, we can teach, instruct, admonish or counsel one another in all wisdom. We’re called in Christ to worship God from our hearts.

Our thankfulness grows with the Word of Christ. It is a risky thing to separate the praise of God from the Word of God. Many great songs of faith were written by believers who knew, and incorporated in their songs, the doctrines of the Word of God. If we intend to sing from our hearts, then we must have God’s Word dwelling therein. Let’s look for reasons to be thankful: In our family. Friendships, and in the church (v.15). Focusing on the reasons for thanksgiving builds unity. 

The Full Life is all about Christ Jesus. Verse 15 is about the Peace of Christ. Verse 16 is about the Word of Christ. Verse 17 is about doing everything in the Name of Jesus. It’s all about Jesus Christ that leads to thankfulness.  Notice how these three verses end.  Verse 15, “And be thankful.”  Verse 16, “with gratitude in your hearts to God.”  Verse 17, “giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Being full of Christ leads to thankfulness, such that in everything we do or say, the Lord is glorified. Giving Thanks should be in all that we do! Let’s learn to be more grateful and thankful for all God has given us! Gratitude is our choice, even in the worst circumstances.