Thanks Giving

It is not often that I write a column that uses an Apocryphal text, but I find myself struggling this year with the idea of giving thanks for what has been a very hard year for me and my family. And this particular passage really spoke to me, so I hope it will speak into your lives as well.

From the book of Sirach chapter 35 (NASB):

1 The one who keeps the law makes many offerings; 2 one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being. 3 The one who returns a kindness offers choice flour, 4 and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering. 5 To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord, and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement. 6 Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, 7 for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the commandment. 8 The offering of the righteous enriches the altar, and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High. 9 The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable, and it will never be forgotten. 10 Be generous when you worship the Lord, and do not stint the first fruits of your hands. 11 With every gift show a cheerful face, and dedicate your tithe with gladness. 12 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, and as generously as you can afford. 13 For the Lord is the one who repays, and he will repay you sevenfold.

Ben Sira wrote this book somewhere around the year 200 B.C. during the “silent period” of Jewish history. That is the age of “no Prophets”, which lasted about 400 years. He wrote a book that is very similar to Proverbs in that it stresses wisdom teachings, and practical advice for living.

I like the simple truths: Obeying God’s law is an offering pleasing to God. Following the 10 Commandments makes the world around you better. When we are generous with what God has blessed us with - we are saying thank you to God. Saying no to what we know to be wrong -pleases God. These are things we need to remember in today’s world.

I find this passage to be a strong reminder of who gave me what I have, and how my attitude should be focused. I know without a doubt that God gave me my wonderful wife, and that it was a Godly miracle that brought my daughter into my life. While I am nowhere close to rich (as the world measures), I am rich beyond my wildest dreams with family, faith, and a place to worship my savior. I know I am saved and will one day spend eternity in Heaven. These are more than enough for me to give thanks to God every day of the year.

I hope this column will cause you to stop and think about all God has blessed you with, and remind you to thank the source of those blessings. May each of you have thankful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.