Thankfulness

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;” (Philippians 1:3–5, KJV)

In our self-indulgent and self-centered world, we have become an increasingly thankless society. When I was growing up I remember my parents teaching me over and over again to say thank you for the graciousness extended to me by others. When we receive gifts, we should express thanks for the gift. Often a card or letter is appropriate. Yet often we are either too busy, careless, or inconsiderate to give thanks.

Immediately after Paul’s salutation, he expressed thanks to God for the church at Philippi. The reason for the thanksgiving is their partnership in the gospel. He had fondness in reminiscing about his time with them from his first visit to Philippi, when the first residents came to saving faith in Jesus. While Paul was under house arrest, the remembrance of the church brought him great joy.

This is the way it should be for every minister-church experience. When the Lord moves a minister on from a church, it should be a joyful experience. There should be fond memories. The minister should have fond memories of his time in the ministry there and the congregation should have fond memories of his time there.

Unfortunately, it does not always work out that way. Yes, it is sad when a pastor moves from a church, but there should not be bitter feelings when this happens. The church should focus on the blessings they had during the pastor’s tenure and the pastor should focus on the blessings the Lord manifested during his time there.

The important thing in the body life of the church is this. The parishioners should lovingly support the pastor and encourage him in his ministry. His time in the church should be a joyful one. The pastor should also lovingly shepherd the flock of God under his care, pouring his heart out in nurturing the parishioners.

Last, it is great when the pastor and congregation expresses thanks to God for one another. It is the Lord who places pastors in the churches. He does this for various seasons for His glorious purposes. Yesterday was pastor appreciation Sunday. I must say, I was overwhelmed by the love the congregation expressed to me and my wife. I sensed their love from the time we took the position there and I constantly give thanks to God for them.