Thanksgiving is behind us. Although there are still some leftovers lurking in my refrigerator. We’ve heard a lot of messages this season about being grateful; they flood tv commercials, church sermons, memes, and social media posts. And I agree, we have much to be grateful for because even in our darkest hours and lowest valleys, we have Jesus.
As I sat in church a few weeks ago, listening to a sermon on gratitude and thankfulness, I heard the Lord say to me, “It is good to be grateful, but don’t forget you are greatful.” I instantly knew what He meant, and I knew I was to share this message with you this week.
Let me start with a little grammar lesson (yes, I’m an English nerd so bear with me). The suffix “ful” when used as an adjective means, “full of, characterized by, having the qualities of, tending, given or liable to.” (Merriam Webster). I believe what the Lord was saying was to live with a heart full of and characterized by greatness. All of our actions should come from that greatfulness that resides inside each of us.
The key is knowing from whom that greatfulness flows. I’m not talking about personal accomplishments or prideful efforts. This isn’t about us. It is about Him. In John 14, Jesus is talking with his disciples, preparing them for his death and resurrection. And in versus 10-12, He says, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” The greatfulness of the Father resides in the Son.
“10Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
That greatfulness is passed onto Jesus’ believers in the form of the Holy Spirit who lives in each of us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. This is the promise He makes to His disciples in versus 16-20. He tells them, and us, that the world will no longer see Him in the flesh, but we will see Him because He lives in us.
16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—
17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”
We are great because the greatest One lives in us. That concept is hard to comprehend with our earthly minds. Jesus tells us that there is much we won’t understand this side of eternity. But what we can understand is that the work of Jesus must continue, and it must continue through us. He has equipped us with all we need to do “even greater things.” Not that we can be greater than Jesus, but through us, Jesus can reach more people than He could in the short time He laid down his royal title to become human. As the Father lived in the Son, and as Jesus lives in us through the Holy Spirit, we must live in greatfulness, being Jesus in the world.
Living from a place of greatfulness means that we are fierce and courageous in the fight against evil. It means that we stand up when others choose to sit. It means that we hold fast to the truths of the Bible when others choose the lies of the world. It means that we trust Jesus – no matter what. It means that we live a life that honors Him. A life that is an example that causes others to ask, “What makes you different?” A life that gives us the privilege to answer, “Jesus.”
Each of us is equipped differently. One person’s greatfulness may come in spoken words. Another in written word. Another in working with their hands. Another in hospitality. Another in service. But my sweet brothers and sisters, we are ALL filled with the greatfulness of the Holy Spirit. He is waiting to go to work through you in a world that is desperately crying out for the lifesaving message of Jesus Christ. He simply needs you to embrace your greatfulness, take His hand, and walk as a Child of God.
As we transition into the Christmas season with eyes on buying gifts and decorating trees, sipping hot cocoa while watching Hallmark Movies (maybe that’s just me), let us not forget the greatest gift we can give is to share the greatfulness Jesus placed in our hearts. In the midst of a harried season, be light. Be kind. Be helpful. Be generous. Be Jesus.
How can you share your greatfulness this week?