“Be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
During the Cold War’s chilliest days an East German guide took two American tourists aside. The guide had already tried the patience of his group with his lengthy orations regarding the glories and successes of the Marxist state. But now in the security of private conversation he sent a message with the young couple: “Tell your people how fortunate they are. They should be thankful.”
The apostle Paul was often deprived of his freedom. He spent much of his life in prison for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus. But he learned to give thanks to God in every situation for His abundant mercy in Christ.
We who live in the US of A enjoy liberty and freedom. Despite its imperfections and shortcomings that we often complain about, our country is a huge blessing to each of us! We are especially free to worship our Lord and share what we believe openly with others. We don’t realize how fortunate we are!
Let us be thankful for God’s gift of salvation in the life, death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. And may our picnics and parades and fireworks and family gatherings be followed by our prayers and a year-long citizenship which manages this great blessing well! I know, it’s not Thanksgiving. But this 4th of July, let’s be thanks-filled! Giving God thanks for you, Pastor Craig
