Many people think of turkey and football when they think of “Thanksgiving.” Others have a more historical perspective, and attach more of a national or religious significance to Thanksgiving. To many hunting enthusiasts, Thanksgiving is a day that sandwiches an exceptionally good meal between a couple of rabbit or deer hunts! So, the day means different things to different people, depending upon one’s culture and tradition.
There is, however, a “thanksgiving” that is not tied to a certain day in November, or to any peculiar human traditions. This type of “thanksgiving” is far more serious and important than special meals and social rituals. It is man’s response to the favors, blessings and benefits that are bestowed by God. The Bible believer understands thanksgiving as something that is to be regularly directed to God. Paul said, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). Seven other New Testament passages mention “thanksgiving.” We should be thankful for physical blessings (2 Cor. 9:11; 1 Tim. 4:3, 4) and for spiritual blessings (Colossians 2:7; Revelation 7:12). By thanking God, man acknowledges God’s existence and providence. God is also glorified by man’s thanksgiving (2 Cor. 9:13), and man admits his own dependence upon God. Giving thanks to God is an act of faith, for we are instructed to do it (Phil. 4:6). When thinking of “thanksgiving,” let us think of more than just one certain day of the year! Let us think of God.
Tim Haile