Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Thanksgiving doesn’t end! Gratitude is a lifestyle not just a day on the calendar. Psalm 100 reminds us that rejoicing brings us into the presence of the Lord. As we pray with thanksgiving, we experience the peace of God.
Our text today is a reminder that as believers we have the peace of Christ. We need to let his peace rule in our hearts and in our relationships with other believers. Again, we are told to “be thankful.” This is not about how we feel. Our behavior is based on unchangeable truths not on changeable circumstances and feelings.
To that end we need to keep feeding on God’s word. I hope that tomorrow you will be able to feast on wonderful foods. Every day we need to continue to feast on the word of God. When faced with fierce temptation, Jesus responded with Scripture.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 4:4
If our minds and hearts are filled with God’s word we will be transformed by the renewal of our minds. We will speak to each other and worship “with gratitude in your hearts to God.”
Again, everything that we say and do should be an aspect of worship. There is no part of our lives that we should attempt to isolate from the Lordship of Jesus.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
One of my favorite artists, Stephen Curtis Chapman, expresses it beautifully:
“Anywhere and everywhere that you are
Whatever you do, it all matters
So do what you do, don’t ever forget
To do everything you do to the glory of the One who made you
‘Cause He made you to do
Every little thing that you do to bring a smile to His face
And tell the story of grace”
(Do Everything, Stephen Curtis Chapman)
We surrender to Jesus, not grudgingly, but with thankfulness, knowing that his love for us is perfect. His wisdom is complete. His power is unlimited. Our Savior is the Risen Lord!
Happy Thanksgiving!
