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 By: Dr. Skip Myers EdgefieldDaily.com Columnist web posted November 20, 2007 COLUMN – There are some people when given the opportunity to speak focus on the same thing each time. You know pretty much word for word what they are going to say or at least the topic they will choose. I knew a wonderful gentleman in another state who has worked for the department of agriculture for many years. Each time you spoke to him, he would begin by quoting the same Bible verse, Colossians 3:16. From there he would share his opinion about the church and its worship. Then somehow the conversation would always turn to Mediterranean fruit fly infestation of whatever and how he had battled the invading hoard. Over the years I began to witness people actually avoiding this gentleman because the message was always the same and they had heard it before. Now that I reflect upon those years I realize just how much he had to say to the church and how deeply he needed to share his life with others. Each year around this time, my church must begin to feel the same about me. It is about this time each year I begin to get on my soapbox about the upcoming holidays. There are three holidays each year that are intended to be distinctly spiritual in nature. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter were originated for purely spiritual reasons. And yet, our society, of which the church is a part, has allowed these days to become centered on everything from shopping to eating. I truly believe it is time to reclaim these holidays for the purposes for which they were started. Let’s begin with Thanksgiving this year. It is a day designed to give thanks for the blessings of life. Now I ask you, what has turkey got to do with this? I have read somewhere that it is somewhat in doubt that the first Thanksgiving even had turkey on the menu. The important aspect of this holiday is the one to whom we are giving thanks. It is odd that we will bow our heads on this particular day, over this particular meal and give thanks to the Lord for our blessings. Is He not responsible for our blessings the other 364 days of the year as well? While it is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord on Thanksgiving, let’s be reminded of what is said in the Bible. “Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His loving kindness is everlasting.” Psalm 106:1 The only thing the Lord can be is good—good 365 days a year! That alone should motivate us to share the goodness of the Lord with others. Not only does He provide for us all good things but also He has provided the greatest good of all, His Son Jesus Christ. Let me suggest a few ways to recapture this Thanksgiving. By doing so, you will be leading your family to the very throne of God and hopefully creating a lifestyle of praise that will last throughout the year. 1. Share some scripture before the meal. Here are just a few: Psalm 92:1-4; Psalm 106:1-5; Psalm 118:1-6; Psalm 138:1-8; Psalm 147:1; John 3:16-17. 2. Give everyone a chance to share what they are truly thankful for this year. 3. As you share, let them know you are thankful for the Lord and what He has done for you. 4. Pray for more than just the food and material blessings. Thank the Lord for who He is and what He has done in your life. Prayer is nothing to fear. It is your heart’s conversation with a God who truly loves you. 5. Do something nice for someone else. Touch a life so that they may thank the Lord for what He did for them through you. By doing this, you teach a lesson to others. I truly hope this Thanksgiving season will be one of eternal blessings for you and your family. Remember the greatest blessing of all is to have a personal relationship with the One you are thanking. Begin your prayer with an invitation for Christ to be present both at the table and in your life. I am thankful that you have taken the time to listen my annual plea. Make it a weekend of Thanksgiving by being in church Sunday. I’ll see you there. ©
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