basket 11: Thankful living

November month is the month to count our blessings from our Heavenly Father and giving thanks to Him in our hearts. Meanwhile, our basket theme also reflects this thanksgiving month,"Thankful living."

In the book of Philippians, Paul has mentioned about himself as how he has lived himself before God such a way that he wanted us to imitate him. First, he will always rejoice for the gospel preaching (1:18). We are suppose to be rejoicing in our thankful living whenever the gospel of Jesus Christ is bring preached. Indeed to be thankful means to be able to rejoice when others heard about the good news which we believed and received upon ourselves.

Second, Paul said he counted all for lost on the things or glory that he has while was living on this earth (3:8). If a person is living with thankful heart to Jesus for what He has done for his or her life, definitely that person will value most regarding to Jesus which is eternal value. Things that we have or achieve in our earthly life are all temporary compare to eternal perspective. So we ought to count all for lost or learn to let go on earthly belongings and focus on eternal value.

Third, Paul said to live for him is Jesus Christ and to die for him is gain(1:21). We must put Jesus first in our lives. He is our priority and the most important person in our lives. Again Jesus is all that we live for and He is all that we hope for.

Forth, Paul said, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (3:14). God has called us to be distinct Christians in this world. Even for His Church and ministry, individually we have been called to participate. He has gifted us in Holy Spirit to enable us to serve Him in our callings. Let us press toward the mark for the prize of God's highest calling.

Whoever is living thankful life toward Christ will imitate Paul just like he lived. Let us be thankful and show in our daily life. Happy Thanksgiving!