1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV) Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Romans 12:2 (ESV) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, [now here comes the aim] that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Giving Thanks
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Giving thanks nurtures an appreciation for who God is and what He’s done for us. There is a difference between in every circumstance and for every circumstance.
1 Samuel 30:6 (AMPC) David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
Psalm 112:7 (NLT) They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.
Psalm 30:11 (NLT) You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
According to Jewish tradition, during a certain period in David’s reign, 100 people died prematurely each day. The spiritual source was eventually uncovered, and the following remedy was prescribed: Every person was commanded to say 100 blessings a day — or 100 expressions of gratitude. The decree went into effect, and the plague stopped immediately. Ever since then, it has been the Jewish custom to recite at least 100 blessings a day. We are careful to maintain a state of gratitude lest we find ourselves cut off from our blessings.
The opposite of Thanksgiving is Complaining – Numbers 11:1 (AMP) Now the people became like those who complain and whine about their hardships, and the LORD heard it; and when the LORD heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and devoured those in the outlying parts of the camp.
Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV) Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
John 6:43 (ESV) Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves.”
Exodus 16:8 (ESV) And Moses said, “When the LORD gives you in the evening meat to eat and in the morning bread to the full, because the LORD has heard your grumbling that you grumble against him—what are we? Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.”
The is Gods’ will that we must thank Him. The opposite of thanksgiving is complaining. Complaining is against the will of God. Let’s dwell on the positives. Paul says whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy about the church, I’m to think on these things.
I conclude with Philippians 4:8 (ESV) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.