We value that which costs us something. Our deliberate choice to invest hard-earned money in something indicates that we see it as something of value. As such, we have an attachment to that which we've invested in.
"He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God." (Psalm 50:23)
Thankfulness hardly seems to fit in the category of sacrifice and and investment. But, perhaps this only seems so because we have already made the choice to invest in thankfulness. Human tendency is to focus on self, but born again, spiritual people are drawn to look outside themselves to the God who abundantly provides and blesses. The "sacrifice" is to diminish self and see the Father who is there, and Who provides.
Much is said and written about "the attitude of gratitude". I've lately heard of the challenge to keep a daily "gratitude journal", listing 5-10 things daily to be thankful for. It takes time and effort to do so - sacrifice - but the benefits abundantly outweigh any cost. Specifically recounting causes to be thankful for is liberating and life-changing.
Coupling this "attitude of gratitude" with a firm commitment to "order aright" our ways places us in a position to see the salvation of God. In essence, our Father is pleased to save those who are grateful and obedient in lifestyle.
Far too many people have been robbed of the joy of salvation because of grudgingly following a "religious checklist". Sure, God specifies "do's and don'ts", but making these our focus is missing the point. God has designed us for a love relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus (Yeshua). Gratitude is the foundation of this relationship. We honor Him as we cultivate this important mindset, and our relationship is one of joy and fulfillment.
The path to the kingdom of God is the highest privilege. We don't deserve to be on it but, by His grace, we are. If you need a place to begin your "gratitude journal", this is an excellent start. I'm grateful for the path toward the kingdom that brings purpose and fulfillment today, as I long for its ultimate consummation. And, as an unworthy sinner, I'm tremendously grateful to be on this wonderful path that I don't deserve to be on.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
"He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God." (Psalm 50:23)
Thankfulness hardly seems to fit in the category of sacrifice and and investment. But, perhaps this only seems so because we have already made the choice to invest in thankfulness. Human tendency is to focus on self, but born again, spiritual people are drawn to look outside themselves to the God who abundantly provides and blesses. The "sacrifice" is to diminish self and see the Father who is there, and Who provides.
Much is said and written about "the attitude of gratitude". I've lately heard of the challenge to keep a daily "gratitude journal", listing 5-10 things daily to be thankful for. It takes time and effort to do so - sacrifice - but the benefits abundantly outweigh any cost. Specifically recounting causes to be thankful for is liberating and life-changing.
Coupling this "attitude of gratitude" with a firm commitment to "order aright" our ways places us in a position to see the salvation of God. In essence, our Father is pleased to save those who are grateful and obedient in lifestyle.
Far too many people have been robbed of the joy of salvation because of grudgingly following a "religious checklist". Sure, God specifies "do's and don'ts", but making these our focus is missing the point. God has designed us for a love relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus (Yeshua). Gratitude is the foundation of this relationship. We honor Him as we cultivate this important mindset, and our relationship is one of joy and fulfillment.
The path to the kingdom of God is the highest privilege. We don't deserve to be on it but, by His grace, we are. If you need a place to begin your "gratitude journal", this is an excellent start. I'm grateful for the path toward the kingdom that brings purpose and fulfillment today, as I long for its ultimate consummation. And, as an unworthy sinner, I'm tremendously grateful to be on this wonderful path that I don't deserve to be on.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 9:21 AM
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