Lifeline Weekly Devotional: Giving Thanks

Did you ever notice that Paul always thanks the people who accepted the Gospel message for their faith and love? He will then go on to teach them, to admonish them if necessary, and to encourage them to stay firm when they are tested.

I once attended a church that was filled even in the summer and at times had people standing during the service. There really wasn't anything special about the service and the music was the same every week, and the homilies weren't that wonderful, so what was the draw? The minister began every homily be thanking all the people for coming, for telling them how wonderful they were, how people remarked on their friendliness and their welcoming spirit. Who wouldn't want to be part of that church community? I know I did! I grew up in a different age when the minister sometimes blasted the people who only showed up on holidays instead of being thankful that they were there! I remember one Christmas when we couldn't attend our own church and visited another, and were yelled at for our troubles.

If we really want people to wonder what the secret to the happiness of Christians, we need to be happy, and show it! We, like the Colossians, need to be known for the love we show one another. If we want people to fill our churches we need to be more welcoming and not just talk to those we know. We need to give thanks to those who show their faith by good acts.

When is the last time you thanked the organist or soloist? Or even those who helped with the children's programs? If we want our communities to grow as the Colossians did, we need to do what Paul did and pray for the community and thank one another for supporting us by their presence.

Lifeline Devotion

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