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As we prepare to celebrate the season of Thanksgiving, I’m hoping that we will pay special attention to the way we show our gratitude, not only to each other but also to the Lord. Paul’s command to the Colossians is simple but also transformative. “And be thankful.” As he explains, thankfulness is not a reaction; it’s a posture. It’s choosing to look at our day through the lens of God’s faithfulness rather than our frustrations. Gratitude shifts the atmosphere of our hearts. A thankful spirit pushes out complaining, comparison, and worry. It prepares the soil for God’s peace to take root.
Letting Christ’s message dwell in us richly means that the Word is not an occasional guest; it’s the homeowner, shaping the values, decisions, and attitudes of our hearts. When that happens, the Word becomes our counselor, anchor, teacher and filter for our conflicts, confusion and choices. The richness of the Word in us produces the richness of Christ through us. Paul basically says that this ties spiritual growth to community. We aren’t meant to grow alone. We will be able to speak life, give correction, encouragement and truth to one another. You see God often uses the voice of a sister or brother to remind us of what his Word says when we forget. Spiritual maturity flourishes in community.
As a response to this Word that now lives in us, we worship in spirit and truth. Paul brings it all together with worship through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This type of worship is the fresh expression of God’s work in our lives. Worship is the overflowing cup of a life filled with the Word of God. Praise flows naturally. Gratitude makes a beautiful melody to the ear of God. This passage ends the way it began with Gratitude that is the heartbeat of worship because it reminds us of a few things:
- God has done great things.
- God is currently doing great things.
- God will continue to do great things.
If it had not been for the Lord on our sides, where would we be? So, maybe it’s time to take a look at the areas of your life to see where you need to invite the Word to dwell more richly. Should you remember who in your life helped to teach, encourage, or correct you according to scripture? Think of what song, scripture or spiritual truth stirs gratitude in your heart today. May we all cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” not just at this time of the year, but every day of our lives. In doing so, we give glory and honor to God in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pastor Andrea (Rev. Andie)
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