[Devoted1]

"Thankfulness Neglected"
By Zach Wood
Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body
you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Thankfulness is a character trait that should be part of each of us. No matter who we are, we should always have an attitude of thankfulness. I really believe thankfulness is something we have lost in this country. We are so spoiled by all that we have, we so easily forget to be thankful for what we have been given. I have been convicted so much of this lately by just reading, praying and talking with my wife. I have lacked so much in this area and it should be stronger in my life.

Paul says it all when he says we should let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. If we are truly in Christ and focused on serving Him, we will be thankful for what we have been given. When we are not focused on Christ and what He has done for us, we lose sight of what we have been blessed with. We need to show this world that we have a spirit of thankfulness. There are so many people around us every day who do not show thankfulness in any way. They want what they want and they want it now. That shows absolutely no signs of thankfulness. These people expect everything out of life and believe they deserve all things. Should I be so bold to suggest that we have taken on this attitude at times? I think we have.

I would encourage you to strive to develop a better habit of thankfulness. I am speaking to myself just as much. I fail at being thankful more times than I can count on my hands. I am sure many of you feel the same way I do. It is something we must all work hard to change, and ONLY with the strength God gives can we accomplish such a way of life.

I pray that each of us would take time to focus on what thankfulness means. What does it mean to you to be thankful? Is it something you practice consistently or is it a weakness that needs to be made stronger? Let us strive to bring more glory to God by being thankful for what He has done for us.
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