And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:14-16)

Do you find it difficult to be thankful? I’m sure you are like me, and find it easy to be thankful during certain seasons and for certain reasons. Towards the end of November I find it natural to be thankful for family, friends, health, and the blessings of living in 21st Century America.

But what about being thankful when this passage says to be thankful? Is it a struggle to be thankful when someone brings God’s word into your life as a point of correction? Is it a challenge to be thankful when someone wants to sing “hymns” and you want to sing “spiritual songs?”

Thankfulness is the rule in worship. If we are in process as people, continually arriving and striving toward who God wants us to be, then our worship services are also in process. We are continually reforming. Because we are in process and continually reforming, we should filter everything we say and think with thankfulness. When the communion bread isn’t what you expect, be thankful. When the music is too loud, be thankful. When the sermon is too long, be thankful. When you serve and don’t get recognized, be thankful. Be thankful in every situation.