In Everything . . . Give Thanks

In Everything . . . Give Thanks.                I Thessalonians 5:18

One of the duties of a pastor is to interpret scripture . . . to explain or define the meaning of words, phrases, verses, or passages in the Bible.

As Brother Dave Gardner used to say, "Let me cut it up for you!"

​Bible interpretation carries great responsibility . . . and it is one that true ministers of the Faith never take lightly.

I have heard all of my ministry (46 years), "The Bible says what it means, and means what it says!"

That makes it all sound pretty simple . . . but I have found that discovering God's intended meaning is often illusive . . . requiring a great deal of knocking, seeking, and finding.

When mortals speak for God we are not always correct . . . sometimes we flavor our utterances with our own philosophy . . . sometimes we substitute our truth for God's outright. We must be accountable . . . well will be held accountable.

Here is a line from scripture for the Season:

"In Everything . . . Give Thanks."

Found in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, chapter 5 verse 18. No explanation . . . just a brief, simple statement.

Is it really simple?

Does it say, "Be thankful for everything?"

N0, it doesn't.

It says, "Be thankful IN everything."

Whatever circumstance you are IN . . . whatever ditch you are IN . . . whatever hole you are IN . . . there will always be something that you can truthfully, honestly be grateful for.

I do not believe that God requires us to be thankful for our pain or hurt or tragedy or difficulty.

I do not believe that you have to be thankful for the HOLE . . . but in every hole you can find cause and good reason to be grateful.

Paul (and God through Paul) is not calling us to an unreasonable, emptily pious response to hardship . . . but we ARE being called and challenged to defy our troubles and all of the powers of the Dark . . . by giving thanks at all times.

No matter the weather, the temperature, the situation or circumstance.

We are not merely fair weather faithful . . . we are defiant, bold, unbreakable, victorious thanksgivers.

Thank you, God . . . no matter what . . .