I once watched a documentary that surveyed some of the thought of the famous Christian writer, C. S. Lewis. For those of you who may not know much about Lewis, there was a time in his life where, as an Oxford Professor of English, he was an avid atheist. However, along his journey towards Christianity, Lewis spoke of a time where things were going quite well for him. It was during this time he suddenly felt very appreciative for the life he had, and he wished to express thanks and gratitude to some One for it. This inward desire to give thanks puzzled him. For he thought, "To whom would I give thanks?"
This sudden inward compulsion to give thanks to his Creator was one of the many things that eventually moved Lewis from atheism to Christianity. I believe God created us to be creatures that are thankful. For "thanks" issues from an individual who recognizes that they are one who has received something, and appreciates what they have received. Indeed, the Scriptures remind us: "What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Cor. 4:7) For no matter how little or how much you have, there is nothing you have that you did not receive from your heavenly Father. During this holiday season, and throughout all the year, I would encourage you not to dwell on what you do not have. Rather, dwell on what the Lord has given you. As the old saying goes... count your blessings. And whatever you have received, be appreciative, and thank the Lord for it.
Indeed, it is especially important at the holiday season to be thankful. For the spirit of thankfulness will choke the spirit of covetousness and greed. Thankful people are people who are content. For the covetous never give genuine thanks. They are always wanting more and more. Their hunger is never satisfied. No sooner do they get one toy than they want another. Such people are fiercely independent of God, not recognizing anything as coming from Him, and will work themselves into the grave so that they might so much as obtain "just a little more." Such may help stimulate the economy, but such only invokes the displeasure of God. Therefore, let us be humble before the Lord, acknowledge Him as our source of everything, being content with what we have, and give thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!