A Word on Gratitude: Humanity's Role in Kingdom Work
If every good gift comes from the Lord, and if everything on this earth exists through him and for him, how do we approach the topic of gratitude regarding another person? (James 1:17, Colossians 1:16)
In Philippians 4:10-20, we gain some key insights when we see the apostle Paul expressing his feelings regarding the church’s gifts to his ministry. After a short and beautiful spiel on contentment in the Lord, Paul goes on to share how he feels about the church choosing to be generous for the sake of the Gospel.
Read the verses below, and then let’s dig into them a bit more:
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul was content. He needed nothing from the church because God was his supreme provider, and yet he gave thanks for their generous gifts—acknowledging that they were a “fragrant offering” to the Lord. It’s as though Paul worshiped God as the source of every good thing, and then delighted in the church’s gifts being offered back to the Lord through their generosity.
In each of these circumstances, we see Paul’s faith at the forefront as God’s glory and honor are held with high significance.
Earlier in Philippians 1:3, Paul proclaims that he thanks God every time he remembers the Philippian church—because of their partnership in the Gospel. Those words: “I thank God for you.” They’re different than “thank you” and a bit more pointed, offering food for thought: Who do all gifts ultimately flow from? Who ultimately provides? What role, then, do people play?
As believers in Jesus, we get to move forward his Kingdom when we step into submission to Christ’s Lordship over our lives. This Lordship regularly spurs along generosity and good deeds. But it is because of Christ’s character and leading. And by the power of the Holy Spirit.
For whatever mysterious reason, God has chosen to move his mission forward through the everyday hands of flawed and largely inadequate people—yet… not inconsequential in the least.
Inadequate, but not inconsequential. For God’s grace is sufficient for his purposes. (2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 4:7)
By the power of faith in Christ’s atonement and the one true God, we have the ability (or rather, God has the ability through our submission) to move mountains, heal people, drive out demons, feed the hungry, and love the world for the sake of his Glory and for the furtherment of the Gospel.
So then, if by our bodies, blessings are ushered into the lives of others, who is due the gratitude? Us, or the Lord?
Just as God is the one who ultimately causes a crop (or a beautiful flower!) to spring up from the ground, and yet has tasked humanity to plant seeds and till the earth with faithfulness—so God is the ultimate writer of the good deeds planned for us long ago, but we are invited to step forward in faithfulness and do the jobs he has tasked us to do. (Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9)
Circling back to gratitude, I created this card with dual purposes: first, for the normal, everyday privilege of acknowledging the work of those around us, and those who have ministered to our lives. (1 Thessalonians 5:12) Just as we have an understanding of meeting the Lord face-to-face and receiving some form of commendation for the good that we have done (Matthew 25:23), I believe it is good to see and offer thanks for the good we see others do on this side of heaven. If God is not above saying “well done” to man, why should we be?
Furthermore—and lest I come across too boldly here—may we seek to have our hearts rooted in gratitude for the Lord’s supremacy, even as we affirm his faithful servants.
This brings me to the second (but not lesser) purpose of these cards: to proclaim the goodness of the Lord—the one our hearts are gratefully swept up in so much of the time.
I hope these cards can be used—not just for “normal” thank you cards, but for proclamations of the Lord’s praise. “So very thankful”: it’s intentionally worded in a way that can be used to point to the goodness of Jesus, even as we acknowledge human partnership with His work.
I imagine people giving this card in celebration of a ministry event culminating, for the baptism of a loved one, for the birth of a new baby—or any event that leads our hearts to be swept up in gratitude for the goodness of our almighty God.
Anyways, I hope these words have spurred you to consider the source of all goodness, and the role we are invited to play as children of God. All the best!
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