How Can I Say Thanks?

"What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?" - Psalm 116:12 (NKJV)

There's a beautiful song called "My Tribute" that asks the heartfelt question: "How can I say thanks for the things that You have done for me?" Here are some of the lyrics:

How can I say thanks
For the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved
Yet You gave to prove Your love for me
The voices of a million angels
Could not express my gratitude
All that I am and ever hope to be
I owe it all to Thee [1]

This captures exactly what should drive our hearts as believers who have experienced God's incredible grace. When people ask me, "Why do you work so hard? Why do you serve the Lord the way you do?" my answer is simple: because I'm so thankful for what He's done in my life. And that should be the motivation for every believer. Why should you work so hard? Because of what He's done in your life - not to earn your salvation, but to express your salvation.

The salvation that He offers is freely given, but our response is something very serious to consider. How will you respond to the grace that God has bestowed on your life? What are those good works that He's prepared for you? What are those things that only you can do?

Maybe it's serving in the children's ministry. Maybe it's going on a mission trip. Maybe it's giving generously to the local church and to other great kingdom work. Maybe it's sharing Jesus with the coworker right near you. Maybe it's passing out tracts. Maybe it's expressing some other spiritual gift in a way that's unique to you.

But all of those things are unique to you, and it's not your job to run my race, and it's not my job to run your race. The question isn't whether you need good works to get to heaven - you don't. The question is: how much has He done for you? And the right response is: what can I do for Him?

Sometimes we can say it like this: He died for you. Now you should live for Him. You can't pay for your salvation, but you can express your gratitude by how you live for Him.

Reflection Question: When you truly consider all that Christ has done for you, what would be a genuine expression of gratitude in how you serve Him?

Dear Heavenly Father, how can I say thanks for all the things You have done for me? When I think of where I was spiritually dead in my sins and where You've brought me now, seated in heavenly places, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. Help me never to take Your grace for granted or think I can live any old way I want. Show me those good works You've uniquely prepared for me to walk in. May my service flow from a heart of thanksgiving, not obligation. Use me in the way You've designed me to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' Name, amen.

[1] “My Tribute” lyrics by Andraé Crouch & The Disciples, 1971.