Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. —Colossians 3:17
Certainly it’s good to maintain a positive outlook on life—being grateful for one’s health, for example, or for a chance visit with a friend. How wonderful when our hearts awaken to the fact that we have so much to be thankful for!
But thankful to whom?
The problem with Christ-less gratitude is that it’s out of context. It’s a gratitude that generi- cally tosses its thanksgivings into the air, not sure if they should be directed toward good luck, good fortune, or the good Lord. Sensing the need to thank someone or something for making life not as bad as it might possibly be, people sincerely log these thoughts in a notebook or share them with friends, feeling good about feeling grateful.
These people have a vague awareness that they’re part of something greater than mere human existence. Yet they’re not ready—or not willing—to declare that this “something greater” is a personal Creator and Savior. Looking on the bright side of life simply falls short.
------------------
Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy
©2009 Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
How can you change from looking on the bright side to making Christ the center of all your thankfulness?