We have almost lost the practice of appreciation; we have misplaced the habit of saying thank you. I think this happens because we take people for granted. We see each other week after week and day after day. It is normal for these people to be a part of our lives. We get used to what others do for us and we only take notice of what they do when they don't do it. Does that make sense to you? I hope so.
Paul is a good example of showing his appreciation to his fellow believers. In almost every letter he wrote, he expressed his thanks (cf. Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:3; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 4). This week I would like to point out just a couple of observations about Paul's thank you notes:
First, Paul's thanksgiving was directed to God. Yes, he did openly express his thanksgiving in his letters, but he was thanking God for these believers. He was careful to make sure they knew that he was thankful to God for them. This is a great compliment we can pay to others. A God-ward thankfulness is sincere whereas a man-ward thankfulness can be hypocritical and self-serving.
Second, Paul's thanksgiving was about spiritual qualities. He saw things such as faith, love and hope as important. There was never a focus on the external, temporary traits; he kept his attention on those things in believers that we lasting and world-changing.
the avenues of communication we have today are both wonderful and quick, but they should never take the place of a timely written and much needed handwritten card. I hope all of us will be challenged to take the time to occasionally write a personal note to someone and tell them that we are thankful for what God has done in their lives and how God is using them in ours. When God brings someone across your mind take that as a prompting of the Holy Spirit to get out pen and paper and put words to your feelings.
Grace & Peace,
Scott
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