The Backdrop For Life

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

When young lovers are courting, they can think of little except one another: What is she doing right now? How will he like the cookies I made? What did she think about what I said? How can I convince him I love him? In other words, everything in their lives is viewed against the backdrop of their relationship and their love for one another.

That’s how Jesus lived in His relationship with the Father. He did nothing on His own initiative, only what He saw the Father doing, in order to please Him (John 4:34; 5:19; 6:38; 8:28, 42; 12:49). Everything that happened in Christ’s life was viewed against the backdrop of the Father. And the same should be true of us in our relationship with God. If we trust Him completely, we will “rejoice always” and “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17). And we will also give thanks in everything (verse 18). Why? Because everything happens against the backdrop of God’s sovereign will and His love for us. It’s easy to forget that truth, easy to let grumpiness replace gratitude.

Today, try to view everything that happens as being part of God’s will for your life. And “in everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

The essence of Christian ethics is gratitude.

R. C. SPROUL