Sixth Key to Thriving

Be the One Family,

It was Jesus who said believers were to be a city on a hill. He went on to say that we should be a light for all to see. This means we are to be seen and stand out. Jesus knew that His Spirit brings life and that life would be attractive to the hurting and wounded. Let’s look back at our verse we have been studying.

Ephesians 5:15-21 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Today, as we focus on Ephesians 5:20, it says that “Give thanks for all things.” Huh? That sounds crazy. When I have a flat tire or I’m late for a meeting, that’s not the moment I want to give some thanks. When my expectations haven’t been met and I’m working through frustration with some relationships, it's not really a “Thank you, Father” moment.

Family, this text is so powerful. It shows us that even when our situation changes, our gratitude should not. As believers, our outlook on life should be different than the world we live in. Complaining, criticizing, and disputing seems to be the anthem of our world today. Just look at some of the comments on social media. As a believer, our goal is to be life-givers, not life-drainers. When we live with intentionality and Holy Spirit guidance, we can live grateful in a critical world.

This week, let’s make a choice. Will we be life-draining or life-giving? Will we be the people who hope others fail and stay critical by all the negative we see?

My encouragement to you is don't let that be the anthem of your life. You are a life-giver! In the midst of a hard season, stay grateful. Stay thankful! Keep looking at the good parts rather than at all of the negative ones. Set your perspective and speak words of life because everyday there is something to be thankful about. Take a minute and send someone a quick text telling them how much they mean to you. In this hard season, you can be a life-giver.

Love ya, Steven