Ephesians 5:20 is one of those passages you read and wonder, “Does it really mean what it says?” What does it say? “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Everybody gives thanks from time to time for certain things. The challenge presented by Paul is in the words “always” and “for all things.” Does God really expect us to give thanks always and for all things? Yes He does. In the words of Joni Eareckson Tada, a born again believer who became a quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident, “Giving thanks is not a matter of feeling thankful, it is a matter of obedience.”
To be thankful always and for all things is to recognize God’s control of our lives in every detail. It’s to understand that God is constantly working through all the up’s and down’s of life for our good (Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:6).
So why should we be thankful always, for all things, to God the Father? There are many reasons. Here are just a few:
1. Our blessings outnumber our problems – Start counting and you will find this to be true. Even when it seems your troubles are many, your blessings are more.
2. Our blessings outweigh our problems – In 2 Corinthians 4:17 Paul talked about our “light” afflictions. Put your blessings and problems on a scale and you will find that the blessings win!
3. Our blessings will outlast our problems – Again in 2 Corinthians 4:17 Paul talked about our momentary problems and our eternal blessings. The problems we face today will not last, but the blessings of God will.
So give thanks to God! Not just occasionally, but always. Not just for some things, but for all things. “For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Everybody gives thanks from time to time for certain things. The challenge presented by Paul is in the words “always” and “for all things.” Does God really expect us to give thanks always and for all things? Yes He does. In the words of Joni Eareckson Tada, a born again believer who became a quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident, “Giving thanks is not a matter of feeling thankful, it is a matter of obedience.”
To be thankful always and for all things is to recognize God’s control of our lives in every detail. It’s to understand that God is constantly working through all the up’s and down’s of life for our good (Romans 8:28; Philippians 1:6).
So why should we be thankful always, for all things, to God the Father? There are many reasons. Here are just a few:
1. Our blessings outnumber our problems – Start counting and you will find this to be true. Even when it seems your troubles are many, your blessings are more.
2. Our blessings outweigh our problems – In 2 Corinthians 4:17 Paul talked about our “light” afflictions. Put your blessings and problems on a scale and you will find that the blessings win!
3. Our blessings will outlast our problems – Again in 2 Corinthians 4:17 Paul talked about our momentary problems and our eternal blessings. The problems we face today will not last, but the blessings of God will.
So give thanks to God! Not just occasionally, but always. Not just for some things, but for all things. “For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
