Thanksgiving in Word and Action

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

In this passage Paul is urging the Colossians to give thanks to God in all they do and say.  That is a difficult concept to grasp.  It is easy for us to understand giving thanks before a meal, during our times of prayer, when we are abundantly blessed and when we are happy and content in life, but it is much more difficult for us to understand how to give thanks in all that we do and say.  What does it look like to give thanks when we are shopping for groceries, driving a car, or changing a baby’s diaper?  What does it look like to give thanks when we are talking to a phone salesperson, talking in a business meeting, or asking someone for directions?  

To understand what Paul is talking about, we have to look at the middle part of the verse where it says, “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”  When we are living our life for the Lord then everything we do and say is an act of thanksgiving in God’s eyes.  When we are living our lives for ourselves than our actions and words are not giving thanks to God.  Give all your life to the Lord and let every action you do and every word you speak be a gift of thanksgiving to God.

Prayer:  Thank you God for sending Jesus Christ to be an example of how you want me to live my life.  Forgive me when I live my life in selfish ways.  May all I do and say be done in the name of Jesus as a thanksgiving to you. Amen.

Faith Tip:  Today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, think about how your actions and words are a thanksgiving to God.       

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson