Comfort the discouraged. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong, but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else. Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

At this time I still don’t have a lot of spectacular fall photographs to share, but we are beginning to get some color here in Tarboro and – paired with the cool temperatures – it makes walking around these lovely streets an absolute delight.

Days like this remind me of how important it is to remember to lean in to a grateful heart all of the time.

I like the way Paul sets up his argument in the above passage from First Thessalonians. If we are treating people the right way (patient, helpful, always pursuing the good for each other…), if we are constantly rejoicing and if we adopt a posture of prayer… then “giving thanks in every situation” comes more naturally and makes a lot more sense because we have laid the groundwork.

To me this highlights one of the most common problems with the approach many people take to Christianity. “Oh, I guess I should be more grateful…” Or, “faith obligates me to generosity… or service… or hospitality….”

Nope. We don’t just decide what “Christian stuff” – like gratitude – we should be involved in and add it to our “to-do” list! Paul reminds us that this particular virtue – thankfulness – comes in response to a number of related Christlike practices.

Maybe it would be better to say that the Christlike graces are less disciplines and more devotions.

Christianity is not à la carte but systemic. It’s the whole package, friends. Gratitude comes out of a heart deeply connected to God.

The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – Psalm 28:7

Just “Burst out in thanksgiving,” like we can’t help ourselves. I know I can’t. – DEREK