Thanksgiving is one of the few American holidays remaining that give at least a semblance of acknowledging Almighty God. Our Provider and Sustainer.

The first Thanksgiving in America was observed in 1621, best I can tell. It was a Pilgrim thing. Then much later in 1863 President Lincoln proclaimed that day one of National gratitude. President Roosevelt still later in 1941 declared the Holiday to be observed on the fourth Thursday in November.

It’s been a Custom ever since. (How much longer, no one knows!)

But today I’d like to show you a verse of Scripture that says, for us Christians, thanksgiving is more than a just once-a-year holiday. More than just an annual festivity.

Paul wrote it long ago: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I was in a couple of bookstores earlier this week. And in both locations I saw books (not just single titles) on the “Will of God.” I mean God’s “best” for each of our lives! God’s ideal “desire” or plan” for us.

That’s a noble topic, indeed.

But my verse today gives us one facet of God’s Will for our lives that is stable, never-changing, and equally applicable to every man, woman, boy and girl!

“This IS the Will of God” … in Christ Jesus, Paul wrote.

And what might that be?

The Giving of Thanks!

Tell us again, Paul: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

See that verb?

“Give thanks.”

It is spelled “eucharisteo” in Greek, literally the English word “eucharist.”

It technically means “good Grace!”

(I’d say if we ever see truly the magnitude of the Good Grace of God … we would give thanks forevermore! Or if we ever experience that Good Grace!)

But this is what I am trying to say.

This verb (“give thanks” or “eucharisteo”) is written in the imperative mood!

That means we are being COMMANDED, ORDERED, MANDATED to give thanks to God!

Maybe even to each other, when appropriate!

Bottom line, the heart of today’s Lesson … thanksgiving for you and me is more (much more) than just going along with a national custom. Or observing a Holiday. Or eating a lavish meal, for those blessed enough do enjoy such.

It is a DUTY before God.

It is a part of our fulfilling God’s Will for our lives!

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

We are under constraint to give thanks every day!

What did Paul say, tell me again?

“IN EVERY THING” … give  thanks!

Technically he did not say “for” everything.

But “in” everything.

There may be a shade of difference there.