A Posture of Thanks

As I ponder thankfulness, and beyond that, the need for a posture of continual thankfulness that can carry me through both the delights and the challenges of the holiday season, a concept that comes to mind from God's word is "much."

First, what do I mean by posture?

I don't mean sitting up straight in my chair or walking with my chin held high. My mind goes to the slow-motion replays when I'm watching a football game. Good commentators use those opportunities to point out the skills that help professional players succeed. Offensive and defensive linemen win their small individual battles by where they hold their hands and feet, by which way they lean and how much. Quarterbacks make successful passes by planting their feet and orienting their bodies properly.

Are my hands ready to show my thankfulness by serving? Am I leaning toward a perspective on life and the world around me from my heavenly father's point of view? Are my feet planted firmly on the absolute foundation of God's care and provision for me, his unwavering acceptance and forgiveness of me through the redemptive work of his son Jesus?

When I speak of much, two passages of scripture are on my mind. First, Luke 7:47, where Jesus says,

“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”--NLT.

Have my sins been many? Indeed they have. Have I been forgiven much? So, so very much. Let this fuel my posture of thankfulness.

Second, I think of Luke 12:48:

"Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more."--ESV.

Pastor Alan referred to a quote earlier this year, the essence of which was,

"If you were born in the United States, you already won the lottery."

I confess I have sometimes dreamed of what it would be like to find myself suddenly blessed with millions of dollars. But if I assess my current situation accurately, I have been given so much already. I go to bed in safety, and wake up dry and warm. The light switches work, and clean hot and cold water are available at my command. I was raised in a Christian home and introduced to a life of relationship with the great king of all reality.

What about the events of the last year? My son walked away without a scratch from a car crash that could easily have been fatal. My wife contracted COVID-19 in spite of being vaccinated, and recovered without serious harm.

Within the idea of much, I see this push/pull--the much I have been delivered from and forgiven, and the much that I have been blessed with and generously provided. Sitting in the midst of such great wealth, how could I not be thankful? But oh, my soul, do not forget that, like love and faith, thankfulness must be expressed through action.

Dear God, by your Spirit, show me ways to act out thankfulness throughout the rest of this year.