Would you like to be like Jesus today?
For the true Christian, the answer to that question should be a resounding “Yes!”
After all, the word “Christian” means “little Christ.”
But how can I “be like Christ?” He’s perfect. I’m not. Not even close. Yet this is the clear teaching of Scripture: “This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did” (1 John 2:5-6).
How can I live “as Jesus did”?
I’d like to offer one simple suggestion: Be like Christ by being thankful.
Do you remember what Jesus did before He fed the 5,000? “Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” (John 6:10-11)
Jesus gave thanks for the food that was miraculously created to feed 5,000 men (plus women and children). That, of course, is a large quantity of food, especially when you consider that they received “as much as they wanted.”
Yet Jesus took the time to give thanks to His Father for this gift of physical food. He did not take it for granted. He had a grateful heart, and He expressed His gratitude to God.
And do you remember what Jesus did before giving the bread to the Apostles at the last supper? “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ (Matthew 26:26)
And let’s not forget what Jesus did before giving the cup to the Apostles at the last supper.
“Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you.’ (Matthew 26:27)
This is amazing. Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Creator of the universe, took time to say “Thank you” to God for food. Before the feeding of the 5,000 – He gave thanks. And just hours before He would offer Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, He gave thanks for the bread that symbolized His body and the drink that symbolized His blood “which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:27).
Oh that you and I would be like Christ by being thankful for our food and drink. And may we also be thankful for the gift of forgiveness that only His death can provide.
An attitude of gratitude to God is a simple thing, but it is huge. Not only is it the antidote for the contagious diseases of self-pity, discontentment and bitterness, but it is the righteous recognition of the greatness and goodness of God. Christians have ample reason to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Like David, may this be our song:
“But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
For he has been good to me.”
Psalm 13:5-6
May you have a joyful life of Thanksgiving — today, tomorrow, and forever!
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