Let the Thanks Come Out #18

As we have seen the last two days, the Corinthian church was an unthankful church, focusing on the things of this world, and therefore arguing and complaining. Paul had to write them again, trying to help them understand the need for thanksgiving. In chapter 4, he reminds them of the treasure God has given them, even though they, like he are clay pots. Then he says: 

13 Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. 15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

If thanksgiving could not be taught, maybe it could be caught. If they could see Him and his missionary band giving thanks, even though they were facing all sorts of struggles - including ministering to them as a stubborn, ungrateful people - then maybe they would get the idea: the things of this world are nothing in comparison to all we have in Christ. When we really realize what we have in Him, and allow Him to transform our thinking and our living, then we give thanks, we keep on going, and God is glorified.