Thankfulness vs. Thanksgiving

This week, most of us will pause long enough from our grumbling and griping to realize we have a lot to be thankful for. But that is very different than actually giving thanks.

• Thankfulness is a noun. Thanksgiving is a verb.

• Thankfulness is internal. Thanksgiving is external.

• Thankfulness is self-focused. Thanksgiving is God-focus.

• Thankfulness is an emotion. Thanksgiving is prayer.

• Thankfulness is passive. Thanksgiving is an act of worship.

The apostle Paul, after listing a string of difficulties he experienced as a church planter, including being afflicted, crushed, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down, told us why he did it. “It is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 4:15)

Paul’s motive for enduring the hardships of ministry was for God to hear more and more people say, “Thank you” for his grace. When was the last time you actually told God, “Thank you.”

As you gather with others in this season, don’t be content with just feeling thankful. Let your thankfulness overflow into a conversation with God. If you are like me, you may find it helpful to write

a prayer of thanksgiving for all that you are thankful for. Then, read your prayer to God. You might even consider offering this prayer of thanksgiving out loud with others around the Thanksgiving table. That would certainly set the tone beyond football and politics.

We have so much to be thankful for. Don’t let this season pass without actually giving thanks to the One who has been so gracious to us.