Dear Crosswalkers,
Thanksgiving is one of our great American traditions that focus on God as our Creator and Provider, and seeks to cultivate in us what is a dominant virtue in the Bible: Gratitude. Here are three wonderful truths about thankfulness.
First, over the history of the Christian church, there have been many great thinkers that have inspired us with teachings about gratitude. Here’s a link to a list of 13 great quotes about having a thankful heart:
For example, it starts with quote from G.K. Chesterton, who said this:
"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder."
WOW. Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder! It is a great devotion to simply go to this blog and read through these inspiring quotes.
Secondly, speaking of happiness doubled by wonder, recent studies confirm the temporal value of gratitude and Christian commitment. A November 2010 article in The Wall Street Journal summarized the research which showed a number of positive emotional and physical health benefits from having an attitude of gratitude:
Adults who frequently feel grateful have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness than those who do not, according to studies conducted over the past decade. They're also less likely to be depressed, envious, greedy, or alcoholics. They earn more money, sleep more soundly, exercise more regularly, and have greater resistance to viral infections.
In a new twist, researchers are discovering that thankfulness brings similar benefits in teenagers and even in children! The research says that “kids who feel and act grateful tend to be less materialistic, get better grades, set higher goals, complain of fewer headaches and stomach aches, and feel more satisfied with their friends, families, and schools than those who don't.” The researchers concluded, "A lot of these findings are things we learned in kindergarten or our grandmothers told us, but now we have scientific evidence to prove them …. The key is not to leave it on the Thanksgiving table."
Yet another study conducted this year confirms what we’ve known for a long time: People who attend worship services regularly are more optimistic and less depressed than non-religious peers. You can check out this story in Time
online by following this link:
Of course, we need to read these studies with godly wisdom and discernment. Our goal as followers of Jesus is not happiness but holiness! The purpose of the church is not to make us happy through increased social connections but to launch us on a mission for and with Jesus! Joy is a by-product, not a goal.
And this brings us to the third lesson about Thanksgiving, which is from history. It is a widely circulated myth that the Pilgrims first came to America to escape religious persecution. WRONG! Over a decade before they boarded the Mayflower and came to America, the Pilgrims fled England to Holland to escape persecution. Holland was by far the most tolerant and religiously diverse society in Europe at that time. The Pilgrims found religious freedom there, but they also found a society that was full of immorality and non Christian values. In 1620 they came to America to escape the corruption they found in the “old world!” THEIR MOTIVE WAS NOT TO ESCAPE PERSECUTION BUT TO PURSUE PURITY!
They left the open society of Holland to establish a society that practiced biblical principles. It is good for us to remember their example of braving the high seas and the fierce weather and an uncertain future because they wanted to establish a society that honored God above all! At Crosswalk, may God be so honored in our midst!
We have much to be thankful for this year. As we gather around the thanksgiving table, let’s be grateful that pursuing holiness leads to happiness. I am grateful for the privilege of being your pastor. May God bless you with a joyous and restful Thanksgiving holiday!
Love in Jesus,
Pastor John
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