Deuteronomy 8:11-18 (NRSV)
Tomorrow people across the United States, of all religions and nationalities, will celebrate Thanksgiving. At many tables, everyone will go around and say what they are thankful for before stuffing themselves with food. Many more will then go out shopping that night or early the next morning, looking to score great deals on all the new stuff they want, after just having given thanks for all they already have. We have a very strange way of giving thanks.
For Christians, giving thanks to God is not just part of this secular holiday, but a commandment given by God. The Bible teaches us over and over to give thanks. But I can’t help but think there is something a little off about the way we give thanks. We say prayers of thanksgiving. We share lists of what we are thankful for. We give thanks with words. But to merely say, thank you God, seems insufficient to me. When I think of everything I have, when I give thanks to God that I am fortunate enough to have a job, a house, enough to eat, good healthcare, a wonderful church, loving friends and family, the freedom and time to do the things I love, and the many other great things in my life, I also think of those who do not have those things. And when I think of those who do not have the same opportunities and blessings in their lives, it doesn’t just make me more grateful for what I have. Far too often it seems that we look at those who are in need and think, I’m so blessed, and that’s it, we don’t do anything more. But for me, it makes me want to do something to make it so that everyone does have food and clean water and housing and clothing and healthcare.
It seems to me the best way to give thanks is by giving back. We can’t simply say we’re thankful for what we have. We need to be showing it through working to ensure that everyone can have the same blessings we have. That means donating our time and money to organizations that give aid to those in need. That means supporting policies that help all people, not just some. That means working to create a more just and peaceful world, so that no one has to go without basic needs. We give thanks to God through our actions, not just our words. As Jesus said in Luke 12:48 “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.” Those of us who have been blessed with much have a responsibility to God and to the world to give what we have to help others who are not so fortunate. So as we give thanks this holiday season, let us remember to also give back.
Sunday – Genesis 18:1-15
Monday – 1 Samuel 1:9-18
Tuesday – Isaiah 40:1-11
Wednesday – Psalm 126
Thursday – Luke 1:26-38
Friday – Ephesians 1:3-14
Saturday – Revelation 22:12-21