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BE THANKFUL TO HIM
Adapted from editorials by the Rev. W. Cairns Henderson
Originally published in New Church Life
What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?
I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people.
(Psalm 116:12-14)
Thanksgiving is not only a call to worship; it is also a summons to action. While worship is important, merely expressing gratitude to the Lord has little effect. Still less, of course, does a satisfied counting of our blessings! For true gratitude is never self-centered. Instead, it inspires us to reflect on what we can do in return for the benefits we have received. And such reflection leads us to see that the return that the Lord most desires is for us to cooperate with and seek to further the purpose for which all His benefits are given--the spiritual welfare of humankind.
True gratitude goes far beyond formal expressions of thanks. It shows itself in our support of the Lord's uses. So truly to praise the Lord is to go to His Word from love to Him. There, we seek out His wisdom on the use that the Lord created each of us to perform--to promote the true happiness and eternal welfare of others.
Therefore we are truly grateful for the Lords benefits when we choose to be spiritually reborn, or regenerated, when we choose to live in charity, according to His Word. This is clearly stated in the inspired words of the Psalmist, "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord."
May our reflection on these words inspire us to renew our dedication to cooperation with the Lord. Let us turn to Him with an outpouring of love for the Divine Giver, in response to His love for us which is manifested in His many gifts.
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