Peace Presbyterian Church

“Being Thankful People”

As we enter the month of November, we enter a cultural season of and for Thanksgiving. As Christians, we affirm that we are called to be thankful people year round. As Paul tells us in 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” We are to be joyful always because of the love and presence of God in our lives. We are to continually and constantly give thanks to God because God's will for us is to be thankful people. Prayer is key to being thankful, for as we prayerfully focus on God, we see that all of life is a gift to be graciously and gratefully enjoyed. It is important that we celebrate Thanksgiving this month and every day of the year.

One way that we can be thankful people is by being careful about how we talk to and how we treat others. One of the more interesting spiritual practices that I have heard about recently is that of taking a spiritual fast from negativity. It is amazing how negativity can subtly slip into our lives, hearts and souls. Since I have made this commitment to fast from negativity, I have had to be reminded several times already to stay positive. What does the Bible tell each of us about staying positive and being affirming of others?

Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:29, 31-2, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” We are to be cautious in what we say, careful to make sure everything we say is something that will build up, rather than to tear down someone else. We are to rid ourselves of any emotional or spiritual negativity that would be harmful to our relationships with others or with God. When we feel the urge to be negative about others, we are called to pray for them, to forgive them for any affront they have caused us and to release them to God’s grace. Let us live out our gratitude to God in how we speak to and in how we treat others.

James also shares with us the importance of being careful in what we say, saying in 3:9-10, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” If we want to be people whose lives center on praising God, we must also be gracious to others. We need to be careful that we bless others as part of our spiritual worship. If we are to be thankful and grateful people, the manner in which we talk to others is essential and is a fundamental aspect of our worship of God.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I encourage each of us to observe a fast from negativity, so we can more fully enjoy the life God has for us and so we can truly be thankful people. Let us be thankful for the gift of life and for the gift of new life in Christ! Let us be thankful for the gift of one another!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Brian

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

Pastor Brian has begun a new series of Children’s Messages, called “What’s in the Box?” Each week during the worship service a different child from our church will bring something special in the box without telling Pastor Brian ahead of time. As guided by the Spirit, Pastor Brian will then lead the children in a time of reflection based on what each child has brought. Come and find out “What’s in the box?”

Go to Archive to read past Pastor’s Pages.