TOPIC:“A Mandate For Giving Thanks”
by Rev. Dr. Reg Dunlap
TEXT:Colossians 3:12-17
“and be ye thankful” (3:15)
I think we can rightly say that most Americans are long on their complaints, but short on their thanksgivings. There is a scarcity of praise in this country. But this was not true of the Apostle Paul. He was first and foremost a man of thanks. He was forever ready to break into a doxology of thanksgiving. His whole soul was filled with praise.
The call to give thanks is sounded so often throughout this Epistle. Listen to the praise in these chapters. In chapter 1 verse 3: “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In chapter 1 verse 12: “Giving thanks unto the Father.” In chapter 2 verse 7: “abounding therein with thanksgiving.” In chapter 3 verse 17: “Giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” In chapter 4 verse 2: “And watch in the same with thanksgiving.”
Now concerning this new life that we as Christians have in Christ, one of the virtues we must “put on” (v. 10) is that of being thankful. Paul wore this garment of praise every day of his life. He now wants all Christians to be dressed up in this magnificent trait. So notice again his strong commanding words of our text: “and be ye thankful” or as the NLT has it: “And always be thankful.”
Consider, first of all, that according to Paul thanksgiving is a DEMANDING VIRTUE. Notice again his words: “and be ye thankful” (v. 15). Thanksgiving for the Christian is not a luxury, but a requirement. Paul puts it among the imperative virtues of our new life in Christ.
Starting with verse 12 Paul makes a lengthy list of required virtues which must characterize the lives of all Christians. Let's notice them from the New King James Version: