The Problem with Thanksgiving
For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. - 2 Corinthians 4:15
The problem with giving thanks is that it exposes our pride. At least two big things happen in genuine thanksgiving. First, we are in a position of humility. And second, we are glorifying someone else. Both of these things run against human nature. We are not humble and ultimately we want to be the focus.
You might spot your pride emerging if you carefully think about times when you should have been thankful but were not. Here’s one example that came to my mind: Part of my job compensation every year is the possibility of a bonus. Because my employer communicates the size of the total bonus pool months before the bonuses are paid, it’s easy to think about how much my individual bonus should be.
This is where it gets really crazy; if my bonus is more than I expected, I take the credit. And if my bonus is less, I feel wronged. The result is less thanks than is due – both to my employer, and more importantly to God. Who am I to have a job I don’t deserve and over twenty years of more income than I need (1 Tim 6:8-10)?
Hours before Jesus faced the pain of the cross and the unimaginable judgment of the Father, as he was having his final meal with his disciples, he was thankful (Lk 22:19; Mt 26:27; Mk 14:23). Humble and God-glorifying in face of pain.
Jesus, you are merciful beyond measure – thank you. While I deserve nothing, you have given me everything – thank you. I’m sorry for thinking I deserve your gifts, and I’m sorry for thinking I’ve been wronged when life is difficult. Please change my heart so I see things as I should.
Song: The Goodness of God