The Good Of The Father (Thankful)

 

In everything be giving thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Paul to the Thessalonians (1) 5: 18, Concordant New Testament 

Today marks Thanksgiving.  That day where we often reflect on all which we are thankful for in our lives.  Where we think of the good of those around us besides ourselves.  Most will gather around the dinner table with family and friends before retiring to watch an afternoon of football and holiday movies.  As I contemplated this mornings post, I thought of how ironic it is that we set aside a single day each to think of the goodness of others.  To consider all which we are thankful for in life.  Not to rain on that parade, but I for one am thankful each and every day for all which the Lord has given me.  Not surprisingly, I would be nothing without Him.  For it is God who has created me in His very likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  It is the Lord who has created all which we will ever know in life {Genesis 1:1, Johns Account 1:1-3}.  Therefore, it is imperative that we recognize His provision not just once a year, but each and every day.  The apostle Paul proclaims that our every word and deed should be in giving thanks to Christ and the Father through Him {Paul to the Colossians 3:17}.  This not simply a once a year tradition, but something we do each and every moment of the day.  What is it that we will ever have that God has not provided for us?  Growing up, I would often feel a sense of guilt when thinking of all which the Father has provided.  My immediate thought was all too often "What can I ever do to repay God?"  That's the wonderful part of the good of the Father, God is never asking that we repay Him for His love and grace.  Yet this is all too often our own human reaction to what the Father provides out of His love for us.  We always feel as if there must be a catch somewhere.  That God will provide for us IF we pray more, donate more or promise to do better.  Sorry, that's not how this works.  Those in the church love to toss around the phrase "The joy of the Father."  Well, I believe that it gives the Father joy when He gives unto His children.  Just as we experience joy in giving to others, so it is with our heavenly Father as well.  

Giving thanks always for all things, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ

Paul to the Ephesians 5: 20, Concordant New Testament 

Not to upset the traditional Christian apple cart, but there is something else which we must consider when we talk about the Lords provision for us.  We know that Christ has called on us to love one another {Johns Account 13:34}.  Now, brace yourselves.  How is it that the Father provides for the less fortunate among us?  Does He simply wave His hand and send provision from heaven?  Possibly, although I think that we're missing the boat when we think of the Father in that way.  I believe that the Father works through the love and charity of His children as He provides for those less fortunate.  Think about it, what is one of the main things people think of at this time of year?  Providing for those less fortunate among us.  We know that Jesus was born humbly into this world without much in the way of opulence {Lukes Account 2:7}.  Christianity spends a lot of time proclaiming the fact that Jesus came into this world poor, which is in fact true.  When we wrap our understanding around the fact that all were created by God and all live in union with Him it changes everything {Johns Account 14:20}.  Knowing this, it is not beyond the Father to utilize the lives of His children to provide for their brethren in need.  Yet somehow we've either taken God out of that equation, or most believers do not yet have the realization of living in the Father.  I believe the latter to be true.  To live in the Father is to truly know His love and goodness.  THAT is the good of the Father.  

~Scott~