"I always thank my God ..."

The Corinthian Church was a difficult church at best. Paul had planted a number of churches that had to be a greater joy to pastor than the one in Corinth. Early in the first letter to the Corinthians Paul had to confront them about divisions in the church (chapter 1). They were immature (chapter 3) and arrogant though foolish. Immorality was rampant (chapter 5). They were bringing lawsuits against each other (chapter 6). The marriages of its members were in trouble (chapter 7). They flaunted their freedoms in a way that was harmful to new followers of Christ (chapter 8). Idolatry was a problem (chapter 10). They had confusion in their worship services and showed up drunk for the Lord's Supper observances (chapter 11). They were abusing spiritual gifts and had gaping divisions (chapter 12). They apparently didn't even love each other (chapter 13). They could not even get the gospel right nor could they agree on the resurrection of Christ (chapter 15). They struggled when it came to giving in the church (chapter 16).

That's enough to send any pastor into depression. We (among the pastor brethren) call these kinds of churches "preacher killers". How frustrating! How difficult!

So, what did Paul think about this group of trouble-makers?

4 I always thank my God for you because of God’s grace given to you in Christ Jesus, 5 that by Him you were made rich in everything—in all speaking and all knowledge— 6 as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, 7 so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; by Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Cor 1:4-9 (HCSB)

"I thank my God for you ..." Wow! Now that's a perspective. How? Why?

Because Paul chose to focus on the evidences of God's grace in their lives.

As a church staff, we have been starting all staff meetings recently with "evidences of God's grace". We share the little things (as well as the big things) we see God doing in and through our church. It's easy to get focused on the challenges and the things (and people) that are not meeting our expectations. So we are choosing to be intentional about looking for and celebrating and "always thanking our God" for all evidence of God's grace.

This year it will be easy to focus on all that is wrong / bad / negative in our lives. Why not look for those evidences of God's grace in our lives and celebrate those. We have much for which to be thankful. It's a matter of perspective.

Have a great Thanksgiving season and beyond!