Cultivating Gratitude- Part 2

 We are tracing the theme of "Giving Thanks" through the Book of Colossians. The last post observed that we must cultivate a thankful heart because a thankful heart can draw us closer to other believers. 

Today we will observe our second occurrence of "giving thanks" in Colossians 1:10-14. We must cultivate a thankful heart because a thankful heart pleases and glorifies the Lord.

In this text, "giving thanks" is a fourth present participle in a series of participles describing a worthy, pleasing walk before the Lord (vv.10-12). A worthy walk includes being fruitful in every good work (v.10b), increasing in the knowledge of God (v.10c), strengthened with all might... (v.11), and then fourthly giving thanks... (v.12). A thankful heart pleases the Lord because it recognizes the Lord's salvation work on our behalf- recognizes the benefits of that work (vv.12-13). The grammar of v.12a emphasizes our continuous duty before God! 

Now, in vv.12-13 we have three verbal actions, and in v.14 a fourth explanation of why we should be thankful to the Father:

1) He qualified us for a share in the inheritance of the Saints (v.12b): The KJV word "meet" means to render competent or worthy, to make sufficient or fit, to qualify. Through salvation in Christ, we received a standing in God's favor qualifying us for an inheritance far surpassing any inheritance in this life. We can look forward to reigning with Christ in the future Messianic Kingdom and enjoyment of many more kingdom treasures, not the least, living forever with Christ! 

2) He rescued us from the power, authority, and ruling force of darkness (Satan's domain) (V.13a): We were rescued from the hopelessness and misery of our sinful, wretched condition. In Acts 26:18 Paul explains to King Agrippa his mission from God: "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." 

3) He relocated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (v.13b): So, the Father relocated us from the jurisdiction of darkness and Satanic forces and resettles us under Christ's domain. We are now under Christ's rule over our hearts and lives. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God." But we also have a great future to look forward to as kingdom heirs who will "rule and reign' with Christ.

4) His Son Redeemed us (v.14): Jesus delivered us from the slave market of sin resulting in the forgiveness of our sins. He purchased us by His own blood! 

As you see, we have every reason to be thankful!! Remember, the "giving thanks" of v.12 is describing a life in Christ that pleases God! 

Think with me for a moment. Paul gave four participles, only four here, describing a life that pleases God. That one of those participles is "giving thanks" emphasizes for us the great importance of this virtue before God. Are you cultivating a heart of gratitude? Is your life pleasing to God? It can be with His help! 

Cultivating Gratitude

 When one studies the Book of Colossians, a theme of "Giving Thanks" emerges from every chapter. It is a minor theme, but an important one. In the next several posts we are going to observe the importance of gratitude- giving thanks. As we explore this theme, take careful note of where this exhortation shows up and be challenged to cultivate a thankful heart. 

The very first occurrence is found in Colossians 1:3. As Paul opens the letter, he quickly recognizes something positive in the believers at Colossae- their maturing faith and love for each other. Understand, Paul did not start the church at Colossae and did not know most of the people. But he heard these positive things, and he was thankful for these qualities in their lives. 

In fact, Paul was thankful to God for maturing these believers through their difficulties (which are revealed throughout the Book). This joy and gratitude led him to pray often for them. Are you thankful for what God is doing in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you even pay attention to the spiritual condition of those around you?

Our gracious Lord can take each one of us with all of our rough edges and mold us into the image of Christ. This ought to excite us and lead us to gratitude towards God for changing lives for His glory! 

Relationships can be hard to develop. Our sin nature often gets in the way. We all struggle with self-centeredness, from one degree to another. So, let us strive to cultivate hearts of thanksgiving for each other! let us pray often for each other! These practices will strengthen relationships and bring unity to our churches. 

Also observe: Romans 1:8; 1Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:3; 1Thessalonians 1:2; 2Thessalonians 1:3; 2Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4. 

So, our first point is that a heart of gratitude can draw us closer to our brothers and sisters in Christ.