Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is so utterly important to the human race. It is my firm belief that all people are built to give thanksgiving unto God. Therefore, a lack of thanksgiving produces a whole host of problems. Why? We go against how we are made when we don't give thanks.
In Romans chapter 1, we find an amazing description of human nature and the effects of sin. The apostle Paul tells us that we suppress the truth in unrighteousness. We know the truth deep down inside. We just supress it. This supression, like holding in anger, causes problems in other areas.
What is the first way we show our sinful nature? Murder, stealing, lying, etc. No. "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him."
We do not give thanks. Those other things come later. But the lack of thanksgiving is before all of the lying and stealing and other things we identify more with sin. But sin is more extensive than just what we do. It's about who we are and what's in our heart.
Other attitudes rush into the vacuum. "But their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools."
As Douglas Wilson would argue, we still have feelings of thanksgiving. It is built into us. It would make sense that it is meant to be directed to someone.
It is good then, given that our nature is to eschew thanksgiving, to have a day set aside to direct us to give thanks. People who are thankful are happier and healthier. Healthier? I suppose people who don't completely supress how they are made will be healthier, even if they don't direct thanks to God Himself.
Philippians 4:6-7
Thanksgiving is so utterly important to the human race. It is my firm belief that all people are built to give thanksgiving unto God. Therefore, a lack of thanksgiving produces a whole host of problems. Why? We go against how we are made when we don't give thanks.
In Romans chapter 1, we find an amazing description of human nature and the effects of sin. The apostle Paul tells us that we suppress the truth in unrighteousness. We know the truth deep down inside. We just supress it. This supression, like holding in anger, causes problems in other areas.
What is the first way we show our sinful nature? Murder, stealing, lying, etc. No. "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him."
We do not give thanks. Those other things come later. But the lack of thanksgiving is before all of the lying and stealing and other things we identify more with sin. But sin is more extensive than just what we do. It's about who we are and what's in our heart.
Other attitudes rush into the vacuum. "But their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools."
As Douglas Wilson would argue, we still have feelings of thanksgiving. It is built into us. It would make sense that it is meant to be directed to someone.
It is good then, given that our nature is to eschew thanksgiving, to have a day set aside to direct us to give thanks. People who are thankful are happier and healthier. Healthier? I suppose people who don't completely supress how they are made will be healthier, even if they don't direct thanks to God Himself.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
