Thankfulness

Thankfulness

If you are a Christian and living with inner conflict, it may just be the Holy Spirit’s doing. He wants us far more than we want Him. He yearns jealously over us. (James 5:4) What would that jealous yearning feel like inside of someone who has the Holy Spirit living inside them, and yet, is living life loving the world?

Wow, that would be conflict—inner turmoil.

If you think that seems too strong of language, consider Galatians 5:17 “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Note the wording, “so that you may not do the things that you please.”

That is inner conflict.

1 John says that if we love the world, the love of the Father is not in us. That does not mean we aren’t believers—born-again. It means we are worldly. Worldliness cannot love like the Father loves. His love is others oriented. Worldliness is self-centeredness. Self-centered people aren't happy people. We aren’t built to be self-centered, though it is natural. Natural to the fallen creatures humanity has become.
How do we correct this worldliness that so prominently tries to rule in our hearts?

It begins with our thinking, Thinking gives birth to desire. As we change our thinking, one thing we have control over, our hearts, emotions, and actions follow. The Holy Spirit, of course, working with us. We begin to change our thinking by beginning to thank God in everything. Thankfulness is surrender. Thankfulness becomes a mindset. Thankfulness brings with it an attitude of contentment. Thankfulness leads to peace—inner peace and contentment.

1 Timothy states that godliness with contentment is great gain. Not that wealth or lands are great gain, but godliness with contentment is great gain. We get so wrapped up in this world and what it offers. It is deception to think it will make us happy. Worldliness will never lead to happiness and peace.

Make the great exchange.