An Attitude of Gratitude (Giving Thanks IN everything vs Giving Thanks FOR everything)

Thursday, 8th March 2007

Dear Theophili and Theophilae

I recently heard a sermon where the preacher told us that we should give thanks for everything.

I beg to differ because I recall a discussion our committee (which doubled up as care group) had when I was in the NTU Christian Fellowship...

... speaking of which, they are having their Annual General Meeting this evening at 6.30pm, so those of you out there who are Alumni, please drop in to give some moral support...

Anyway, the topic our committee/care-group was discussing was about thanksgiving, and a distinction was made between "giving thanks IN everything" and "giving thanks FOR everything".

(1) Giving thanks IN everything

This is the attitude where we acknowledge that because the LORD is sovereign, even though the evil one is causing a lot of havoc on the earth, God is still in control and He is going to make all things good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28). So we are thankful to Him in spite of the physical circumstances, and do not grumble or complain.

This attitude is biblical. Consider the following passages of Scripture:

Phil 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

1 Thess 5:18

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

We are to adopt this "attitude of gratitute" to our God, because we know that He always wants the best for us, and will never shortchange us.

(2) Giving thanks FOR everything

This derives from the belief that everything is, after all, from God, so let's give thanks for everything. This doctrine may seem harmless, but nothing could be further from the truth!

If we were to accept poverty, disease, broken relationships and other works that the evil one is actively carrying out here on earth as "our fate" or "God's Will", then we are effectively giving up our right to the victorious, abundant life that Jesus has come to give us.

Instead of being "more than conquerors" in the spiritual battle of life, we are conceding defeat to the enemy! It is no wonder so many Christians are living defeated lives and as a consequence, not being effective in our witness as Christ's ambassodors. After all, how to attract others to Christ if we have long payaya faces?

Rather, we should be speaking against the destructive works of the devil, and instead claiming prosperity, health and good relationships with spouse, children and other loved ones in the name of Jesus.

We don't thank God for the tsunami or earthquake because those were the works of the devil. Instead we thank God that in spite of the tsunami or earthquake, He will somehow make something good out of something bad.

We don't thank God for that tumour or that ailment. Instead, we thank God that by Jesus' stripes we have been healed and that tumour or ailment has been smitten on the body of Christ so that in exchange, we have perfect health and wholeness.

We don't thank God for that rebellious streak in our son or that wayward behaviour in our daughter. We thank God that in spite of the physical circumstances, He loves and cares for them more than we can or ever will, and will continue to pray them up and claim Jer 29:11 for them each day.

So let's give thanks IN everything, but not give thanks FOR everything. Amen?