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And So Much More!
Give a Christian and a non-Christian each a sheet of paper. Ask them to list what they are thankful for. Then compare their lists.
What will the non-Christian have on his paper? His list may include: the beauties of nature, family, friends, the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy in this great nation, unlimited educational opportunities, a job, recreational activities, a comfortable place to live, medical care, insurance coverage, car(s), abundant food and clothing, central air and heat, computer technology, etc.
Now let’s examine the Christian’s list. It could well include every item the non-Christian has on his list. But if that’s about all he has down on his sheet, then he needs to think again. All the blessings of the non-Christian are for this life only—what we sometimes call temporal blessings.
But the Christian has so much more! As Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing . . .” (Ephesians 1:3).
In the verses that follow he enumerates some of these blessings: “he [the Father] predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us . . . . In We’him we have obtained an inheritance . . . . In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory” (vv. 5-8a, 11a, 13-14).
Add to all these the powerful promises of the Scriptures, the exalted privilege of prayer, the strength we receive from fellow believers, meaning and purpose for living, and so much more! The Christian who adds to his list these and all the other tremendous advantages we have in Christ will have to write small, use both sides of the paper, and ask for another sheet!
Speaking to idol-worshipers, Paul said of God, “. . . he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17).
Yes, non-Christians do have a lot to be thankful for. But, oh, if they only knew . . . .
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
