Jesus Changes Everything

Thanksgiving is almost upon us. Are you thankful?

The Greek word that is often translated "give thanks" in the New Testament is related to the word Eucharist. Its roughly literal meaning is "good grace" or "good gift." It suggests an expression of gratitude for the gift that has been received. I suppose that the word came to be used of the communion service because the scripture says, "He took bread, and when He had given thanks (eucharist), He broke it..." (1Cor. 11:23-24)

When we remember Christ in the communion service, we are thankful for Christ, the indescribable gift of God. (2Corinthians 9:15)

Why do we do the things that we do? Why do we get up? Why do we get dressed and go to work? Why do we say the things we say? Why are we happy? Why are we upset? Why do we obsess about some things and ignore others? What is our motive? What is our governing principle?

It seems like there are plenty of potential answers that are not so positive: physical pleasure, personal gratification, peer pressure, guilt, joy, rage, pride, greed, sloth, etc. Truth be known, these are the answers far too often. This is our natural condition as followers of "...the course of this world." (Eph. 2:2)

But in Christ we have died to our old life and have been raised to walk in newness of life. Now we have a completely different perspective on the world and our life in it.

(Colossians 3:1-2) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Jesus changes everything. We can now see beyond the petty cares of this world. We finally have something of genuine value that will never depreciate. Everything this world offers fades into dim obscurity by comparison.

What is our motive? It is to please Jesus Christ.
What is our governing principle? It is our gratitude for God's grace.

(Colossians 3:17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks (eucharist) to God the Father through Him.

Let us be truly thankful.

(2Corinthians 9:15) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!