Give Thanks Whatever You Do

I am willing to guess you have already done many things today including waking up, getting ready for your day, pouring yourself a cup of coffee, or reading your Bible. I hope you are starting your day with thankfulness, but if you need a reminder to be grateful, Paul’s letter to the believers in Colossae offers us some words of wisdom.

In our reading today, Paul tells the Colossians how to respond to the cultural pressures they faced. At the beginning of chapter 3, Paul encourages the faithful to set their hearts on things above and not on the things of this world (vv. 1–4). Christ-followers have the power of Jesus’ resurrection within them; therefore, a radical change in lifestyle and attitudes is possible. Paul challenges them to have the courage to live in the present as the type of people they will one day become when Christ appears. Most likely they had many reasons to revolt against the cultural norms, as well as against one another, and succumb to the pressures of the day. But Paul challenges his readers to reject distorted sexuality and destructive speech (vv. 8–11) and live as new creations with love, compassion, humility, forgiveness, and patience (vv. 12–14). They are to live a life of peace in the midst of an anti-Christian culture (vv. 15–17).

Paul faced tremendous opposition, but he still inspired others to give thanks in everything they did. Following Paul’s exhortation, we should do everything in the name of the Lord, with an attitude of thankfulness. Many opportunities and choices come into our lives every day—remember to be thankful in whatever you do.

Pray with Us

During your prayer time, please remember Joe Gonzales, Brenda Cuellar, Edward Jones, and Rebekah Kiesling from Student Programs. We thank God for their service with student organizations, as they meet everyday needs, as well as provide spiritual guidance.

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini is Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. He is the former President of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and previously served as an Associate Minister of Preaching and Teaching in Spokane, Washington. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children reside in Northwest Indiana.