Gratitude Is Not An Attitude

Gratitude: More Than Just an Attitude

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We've all heard the phrase "attitude of gratitude" - it's catchy, it rhymes, and it seems to encapsulate a positive outlook on life. But what if gratitude is meant to be something far deeper and more transformative than just an attitude?

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Attitudes are fleeting. They come and go based on our circumstances and feelings. One moment we're thankful for a kind gesture or unexpected blessing, and the next we're frustrated by traffic or a rude comment. If our gratitude is merely an attitude, it becomes subject to the ever-shifting winds of our emotions and experiences.

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The Bible, however, presents a different perspective on gratitude. In Colossians 3:15, we read, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." This passage suggests that thankfulness isn't just a feeling we conjure up, but a state of being that flows from allowing Christ's peace to govern our hearts.

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Peace, in this context, isn't something we create through meditation or positive thinking. It's a result of surrendering control to Christ and allowing Him to rule in our lives. This is easier said than done. Our natural inclination is to resist being ruled by anyone, even God. We want to maintain control, to do things our way. But true peace - and consequently, genuine gratitude - comes when we relinquish that control and let Christ take the lead.

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The command to "be thankful" isn't a suggestion to feel a certain way. It's an invitation to become something - to embody thankfulness as a core part of who we are. This kind of gratitude isn't dependent on circumstances; it's a choice we make regardless of what's happening around us.

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As we continue reading in Colossians 3:16-17, we see how this deep-seated gratitude is meant to permeate every aspect of our lives:

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"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

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This passage paints a picture of a community transformed by gratitude. It's not just about individual thankfulness, but about creating a culture where people encourage, teach, and even correct one another with wisdom and love. This requires humility and a willingness to be teachable - qualities that naturally flow from a heart ruled by Christ and filled with gratitude.

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The idea of doing everything "in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" is a radical call to infuse every aspect of our lives with gratitude. This goes far beyond saying "please" and "thank you" or feeling momentarily appreciative. It's about approaching every task, every interaction, every challenge with a spirit of thankfulness rooted in our relationship with Christ.

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But how do we cultivate this kind of all-encompassing gratitude, especially when life is difficult? The key lies in recognizing our own limitations and relying on Christ's strength. We can't manufacture this level of thankfulness through sheer willpower or positive thinking. It's only possible when we allow Christ to rule in our hearts and transform us from the inside out.

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This transformation often begins in moments of weakness. When we feel overwhelmed, anxious, or out of control, our natural instinct is to seek comfort in familiar coping mechanisms. But what if these moments of struggle could become a trigger for gratitude instead? What if, when anxiety rises, we choose to see it as an invitation to let Christ's peace rule and to choose thankfulness even in the midst of difficulty?

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It's a counterintuitive approach, to be sure. When we're stressed or upset, gratitude is often the last thing on our minds. But by consciously choosing to be thankful in these moments, we open ourselves up to experiencing God's peace and presence in powerful ways.

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This doesn't mean denying our feelings or pretending everything is fine when it's not. Rather, it's about acknowledging our struggles while simultaneously recognizing God's goodness and faithfulness. It's about choosing to see beyond our immediate circumstances to the bigger picture of God's love and provision.

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Cultivating this kind of gratitude requires practice and intentionality. It means catching ourselves when we start to slip back into old patterns of thinking and behavior, and consciously choosing to redirect our focus to Christ. It means being willing to get off the throne of our own lives and allow Jesus to take His rightful place as ruler and Lord.

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The beautiful promise is that as we do this - as we let Christ rule and choose gratitude in all circumstances - we begin to experience a profound transformation. Gratitude becomes more than just an attitude; it becomes part of our identity. We start to see ourselves as "thankful people," and this perspective shapes how we interact with the world around us.

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This transformation isn't just for our own benefit. A life characterized by genuine gratitude has the power to impact others in significant ways. It can bring light to dark situations, hope to despair, and joy in the midst of sorrow. It can open doors for meaningful conversations and create opportunities to share the love of Christ with those around us.

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As we approach Thanksgiving and enter the holiday season, let's challenge ourselves to go beyond surface-level gratitude. Instead of just feeling thankful for the good things in our lives, let's commit to becoming people who embody thankfulness in all circumstances. Let's allow Christ to rule in our hearts, transforming us from the inside out and empowering us to live lives of authentic, contagious gratitude.

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This journey won't always be easy. There will be days when gratitude feels impossible and letting Christ rule seems like too much to ask. But in those moments, we can remember that we're not called to do this in our own strength. We're invited to rely on Christ, to draw from His peace, and to allow His Spirit to work in and through us.

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As we do, we may find that gratitude becomes more than just a seasonal sentiment or a fleeting feeling. It becomes a way of life - a transformative force that shapes our perspective, our relationships, and our very identity. And in that transformation, we discover the true power and beauty of a life lived in grateful surrender to Christ.

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Weekly Devotional

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Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide for your week:

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Day 1: Letting Christ Rule

Reading: Colossians 3:15-17

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Devotional: The sermon emphasized the importance of letting Christ rule in our hearts. This isn't just a nice idea, but a transformative reality that changes everything about how we live. As you read today's passage, reflect on what it means to truly let Christ rule in your life. Are there areas where you're still trying to maintain control? 

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Consider how letting Christ rule relates to experiencing peace. The peace of Christ isn't something we conjure up through our own efforts, but rather something we receive when we surrender control to Him. Today, practice consciously surrendering your thoughts, decisions, and actions to Christ's rule. Notice how this impacts your sense of peace and your interactions with others.

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Prayer: Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I often try to rule my own life. Help me to fully surrender control to You today. Let Your peace reign in my heart as I learn to trust Your leadership in every area of my life.

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Day 2: Gratitude as a Way of Being

Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Devotional: Today's let’s challenge ourselves to see gratitude not just as an attitude or fleeting feeling, but as a fundamental way of being. As you read today's passage, notice how Paul instructs us to "give thanks in all circumstances." Don’t just go through the motions -  gratitude is more than just a response to positive events.

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Reflect on your own life. How often is your gratitude dependent on circumstances? What would it look like to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that persists even in difficult times? Remember, this isn't about forcing positive feelings, but about choosing to recognize God's goodness and faithfulness in all situations.

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Today, practice being thankful in unexpected moments. When you face a challenge or frustration, pause and find something to be grateful for in that situation. This isn't about denying difficulties, but about training yourself to see God's presence and blessings even amid struggles.

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Prayer: Heavenly Father, transform my heart to be consistently grateful. Help me to see Your goodness in all circumstances and to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that goes beyond fleeting emotions.

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Day 3: Mutual Edification in the Body of Christ

Reading: Ephesians 4:11-16

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Devotional: The Bible talks about the importance of mutual teaching and admonishment within the church body. This concept can be challenging, as it requires both humility to receive correction and wisdom to offer it lovingly. As you read today's passage, consider how God has designed the church to function as an interdependent body where each member contributes to the growth of others.

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Reflect on your role within your church community. Are you open to receiving guidance and correction from others? Are you prepared to offer wisdom and encouragement when needed? Remember, this mutual edification is meant to happen in a context of love and with the goal of collective growth in Christ.

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Today, look for an opportunity to either humbly receive advice from a fellow believer or to offer gentle encouragement to someone in your faith community. Approach this with a spirit of love and a desire for collective growth in Christ.

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Prayer: Lord, help me to be both humble and bold in my interactions with other believers. Give me the grace to receive correction and the wisdom to offer it lovingly, all for the building up of Your church.

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Day 4: Doing All in the Name of Jesus

Reading: Colossians 3:17-24

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Devotional: Paul challenges us to do everything, whether in word or deed, in the name of the Lord Jesus. This call extends beyond our explicitly religious activities to encompass every aspect of our lives. As you read today's passage, consider what it means to work and live as if directly serving the Lord.

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Reflect on your daily routines and responsibilities. How might your approach to work, family life, or personal habits change if you consciously did them "as working for the Lord"? This perspective can transform even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship.

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Today, choose one area of your life – perhaps your work, a household chore, or an interaction with a family member – and consciously approach it as an act of service to the Lord. Notice how this shifts your attitude and effort.

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Prayer: Jesus, help me to see every aspect of my life as an opportunity to serve and honor You. Transform my perspective so that I approach all I do, big or small, as working for You.

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Day 5: Finding Strength in Christ

Reading: Philippians 4:10-13

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Devotional: Consistent gratitude and Christ-centered action is not possible in our own strength. We need to rely on Christ's power working through us. As you read today's passage, focus on Paul's secret of being content in all circumstances – he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.

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Reflect on areas in your life where you feel overwhelmed or inadequate. How might your approach to these challenges change if you truly believed you could face them through Christ's strength? Remember, this isn't about mustering up more willpower, but about relying more fully on Christ's power at work in you.

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Today, when you face a difficulty or feel inadequate for a task, pause and consciously invite Christ's strength into the situation. Practice relying on His power rather than your own resources.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess that I often try to face life's challenges in my own strength. Teach me to rely more fully on Your power working in me. Help me to find contentment and strength in You, regardless of my circumstances.