Men should willingly give thanks “for all things” (Ephesians 5:20), but today's passage teaches a somewhat different truth: men should give thanks “in every thing.” The subtle differences between these two truths turn out to be quite profound. They express two different facets of the Christian's call to give thanks: give thanks to God for all things, but our thanks should take place in the midst of all things, good and bad. This means that we should not simply give God thanks once a certain trial of life has ended, but the thankfulness should take place while these trials are ongoing. Very few believers seem to recognize the importance of giving thanks for trials, but even fewer seem willing to give that thanks during the heat of the trial. Why is this so important? God says that the giving of this thanks, even in the midst of trials, is God’s will for our lives.
Men generally find time to thank God for things which they deem to be good or strictly positive. Yet, the Bible admonishes us to be thankful “for all things.” This means that we should thank God for blessings and trials; for health and sickness; for gain and loss; for peace and troubles. This may seem strange but becomes much more feasible when we understand the truth of Romans 8:28. God takes all things, good and bad, and makes them work together for our good. As such, we ought to be willing to give God thanks “for all things” knowing that He will, in turn, use them for our benefit. Failure to grasp this truth is a failure to trust God's goodness and wisdom. God can and will use even the negative things in your life to help you grow and develop as His child.
God's children are to faithfully follow God. We are to obey His will for our lives and follow the example of His Son. Today's passage provides some insight into the details of this calling. We see that believers are to walk in love (Ephesians 5:2) and avoid sins like fornication and covetousness (Ephesians 5:3). Additionally, believers are to have no part in foolish and inconvenient talking or jesting (Ephesians 5:4). These things are unprofitable and unbecoming to the child of God. Instead, the Lord would rather His people put forth their strength in giving Him thanks (Ephesians 5:4). God does not need His creation to thank Him but knows that a thankful people are the only ones who can truly live spiritual lives. Those who feel like they lack opportunity to give God thanks should cease from the sinful practices that monopolize their time and strength. Focus on God and a thankful spirit will blossom and mature.
