SURELY GOD IS pleased when a nation sets aside a day for thanksgiving to Him for blessings. Certainly no people in the world’s history has, had more cause for gratitude than we in the United States of America.
One of the first steps toward total rejection of God and complete national ruin is a failure to acknowledge the Creator by thanksgiving (Romans 1:18-22). An important part of the Christian’s fife is giving thanks to God (Ephesians 5:20; I Thessalonians 5:17,18). Every prayer request should be accompanied by a word of thanks for blessings already received (Philippians 4:6,7).
Yet one wonders if God is pleased when many individuals observe Thanksgiving Day. So many could be classed with those of whom Christ once said, “This people draws near to me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments, of men” (Matthew 15:8,9).
Do you really appreciate God’s bounties? Don’t kid yourself-He won’t be deceived by one day of hypocritical thanksgiving, followed by 364 more of indifference and disobedience.
How many self-deceived Christians will be found next Lord’s Day at home, busy with pleasure or thinking only of self? How many who are so pious on special holidays completely forsake the Lord’s work and worship the rest of the year? Poor ostriches — thinking that God is as blind as they. What a surprise awaits that sort on Judgment Day.
God should be honored as Creator and Giver by all His creatures (Psalm 148). But true thanksgiving comes from a grateful heart. And a truly grateful heart can not help expressing gratitude in a life of service. Is your worship “in spirit and in truth?” Or is it “vain?”
Your life makes the difference.