Be Thankful | Qualities of Women Who Trust Jesus
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” —Colossians 3:15
The mama bear in me will come out real quick if you speak something untrue over my kid. If you call my kid a liar, I’m gonna have a problem with that. Look, I realize that my kids are totally capable of lying, but there’s a difference between them telling a lie and being a liar.
The difference has everything to do with identity.
If you’re an english grammar geek like me, you know that verbs serve distinct purposes. An action verb describes an action that someone does whereas a state of being verb describes who someone is. Action verbs are temporary by nature, but state of being verbs imply permanence.
For example, She sings describes what she is doing in the moment, but it’s a temporary thing. She won’t necessarily be singing forever. But insert the state of being verb is and the meaning changes completely. She is a singer. Now there’s an understanding of permanence. She’s not just singing right now in this moment. Singing is a part of who she is; it’s part of her identity.
This distinction is really important to keep in mind when reading the book of Colossians because Paul is intentionally addressing issues of identity for the christians in Colossae. At the time, there were people spreading false messages about what it means to be a Jesus follower. Since Paul was in prison and couldn’t go in-person to Colossae to correct these false teachings, he wrote this letter to help them understand their newfound identity in Christ.
Colossians 3 is jam-packed with identity language. Paul describes the character traits of believers in terms of clothing that we now wear after having believed the gospel. He instructs us to “put on” kindness, humility, and patience among other things, but what stands out to me is what he says at the end of verse 15.
And be thankful.
These words are not arbitrary. There’s a reason why this doesn’t say “and give thanks.” There’s no action verb because Paul isn’t talking about surface level stuff here; he’s digging deeper. He’s not addressing the actions of believers, he’s addressing our identity, who we are at our core.
For the christian, thanks is not just something we do, thankful is something we are.
In light of that fact, a question for us is this. How are we letting thankfulness infiltrate our real lives? If thankfulness is part of our DNA as christian women, is it evident? Can other people see it in us and can we feel the positive effects of thankfulness inwardly?
Let the truth of Colossians 3 wash over your soul and remind you of who you are in Christ. If there’s a difference between telling a lie and being a liar, then there’s also a difference between giving thanks and being thankful. Today, let’s grow a little more into the women God has called us to be; let’s be thankful.
For Your Journal
Find It:
In this portion of your journal, write out a Bible verse. You can find a verse that fits a current life situation or use the one we used in today’s devotion.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” —Colossians 3:15
Fix It:
In this portion of your journal, pull out a few key words from the verse you chose above, or summarize the verse in your own words. Write it in pretty lettering or sketch something that will help you visualize the meaning of the verse and fix it in your mind. Repeat these words to yourself throughout the week to remind you of the truth contained in the scripture. Here are some options:
Thankful is a state of being.
Be thankful.
Feel It:
In this portion of your journal, write out a prayer. The goal is to absorb the meaning of the Bible passage and let it take root in your heart. Ask the Lord to let his word change you by the power of his Spirit so that you begin to feel like the new person you’re becoming in Christ. Surrender any areas of your life that you are trying to control.
Lord, I’m constantly humbled when I look into your word and see myself the way you see me. I often feel discontent and catch myself complaining, but when I read Colossians 3, I remember that through the gospel, I’m becoming the thankful person you created me to be. Holy Spirit, fill me today and help me to feel grateful as I speak words of gratitude in faith. Thank you that when my actions don’t line up with my identity in Christ, I can come to you for forgiveness and strength. Help me to be thankful today and everyday until I’m with you face to face. Amen.