Grateful for All Things Good

Giving thanks is not just for mealtimes. Gratitude is a whole way of life giving thanks to God for all good things.

I appreciate the following thoughts from G.K. Chesterton and John Stott that encourage us to giving thanks for all good things. Both are found in John Stott’s commentary on 1 Timothy and Titus, part of The Bible Speaks Today series (p. 115).

G.K. Chesterton beautifully writes:
You say grace before meals.
All right.
But I say grace before the play and the opera,
And grace before the concert and pantomime,
And grace before I open a book,
And grace before sketching, painting,
Swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing;
And grace before I dip the pen in the ink.

John Stott agrees and writes:
We should determine, then, to recognize and acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate, all the gifts of the Creator: the glory of the heavens and of the earth, of mountain, river and sea, of forest and flowers, of birds, beasts and butterflies, and of the intricate balance of the natural environment; the unique privileges of our humanness (rational, moral, social and spiritual), as we were created in God’s image and appointed his stewards; the joys of gender, marriage, sex, children, parenthood and family life, and of our extended family and friends; the rhythm of work and rest, of daily work as a means to cooperate with God and serve the common good, and of the Lord’s day when we exchange work for worship; the blessings of peace, freedom, justice, and good government, and of food and drink, clothing and shelter; and our human creativity expressed in music, literature, painting, sculpture and drama, and in the stills and strengths displayed in sport.

To reject these things is to abandon the faith, since it insults the Creator. To receive them thankfully and celebrate them joyfully is to glorify God, ‘who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment’ (1 Tim. 6:17).

I would add: we give thanks for Jesus who has saved us from our sins and given us a new life in Him. We thank Him for the freedom, power, and grace to serve Him faithfully and others with mercy and compassion.

Friends, give thanks for all things good!

Warmly,

Pastor Jeff