In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
In the closing benediction of 1 Thessalonians 5, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to enshrine a set of ennobling spiritual standards in our everyday lives. In the midst of these edifications lies the charge: ‘In every thing give thanks’. Since it might be easy to overlook this more inward element of refinement amid the surrounding calls to active zeal, the inspired apostle stresses the duty we have to be thankful by adding: ‘for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you’.
Although the other charges listed are also the will of God, that this is the one set apart by the addition of the motivating clause should not be overlooked. Truly, if we give thanks under every circumstance, the other godly habits mentioned will develop unhindered. For example, it is easy to ‘despise not prophesyings’ when we are thankful to receive new light or correction. Yet habitual murmuring and complaining about problems, be they real or imagined, will extinguish even the potential for cultivating the other qualities. Indeed, it is not possible to ‘rejoice evermore’ while harbouring ingratitude. If we do not decide to give thanks in every thing, we will slide backwards.
Romans 1 demonstrates this principle by detailing the vile iniquities practiced by heathen peoples such as the antediluvians and Babel builders. Paul reveals that it was their initial refusal to acknowledge and give thanks to God that darkened the hearts of these champions of wickedness and made them vain. The grosser sins they are renowned for merely followed in this train.
…when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Romans 1:21
If we are to give thanks in every thing, we must first cultivate a resistance to murmuring about the slightest thing. The next time you are tempted to pout or whine about the wind or rain, consider Who it is you are complaining about.
He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries. Jeremiah 51:16
While evil men employ devices such as HAARP and chemtrails to manipulate the elements, it is ultimately God who dictates the weather. The Norwegians have a beautiful saying which aligns with this Biblical principle: ‘Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!’ This translates to: ‘There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!’. We are indeed ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14) and should give thanks for the fresh air of heaven be it rain, hail, or shine.
Thankfulness and obedience to God from the heart are inseparable. One cannot exist without the other. The time fast approaches when every earthly support will be withdrawn from God’s people. Like the persecuted of old, their habitations will be the damp dungeon and the cave. In this day of ease and security, it is essential to cultivate a spirit of gratitude for every thing we are given or denied, ‘for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you’.
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Christopher Sparks