Dave Earley references a biblical example of thanksgiving from Acts chapter 16, which made the largest impression on my thinking.[1] After casting out an evil spirit from a profitable fortune telling slave-girl, Paul and his companion, Silas, were beaten with rods and thrown into prison (Acts 16:16-24 NASB). However, instead of sulking, during the middle of the night, Paul and Silas began praising God (Acts 16:25). God then sent an earthquake that freed the prisoners and culminated in the conversion of the jailer (Acts 16:26-34). The reason this biblical example made a significant impression is due to its ability to reveal the providential nature of God’s character, which necessitates a thankful response to all circumstances. When challenging circumstances arise, it is tempting for believers to think that God is not present or that God is intentionally delivering punishment. However, God never leaves or condemns “those who are in Christ Jesus” (Hebrews 13:5; Romans 8:1). Of course, God disciplines those He loves, but even God’s discipline is “for our good, so that we may share His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). Accordingly, James appropriately encourages believers when facing trials to “consider it all joy” (James 1:2). When one places a proper perspective on the providential nature of God, the natural response to challenges, suffering, and discipline is thanksgiving, which not only places an appropriate trust in God, but also provides a peace in the believer’s heart.
In light of God’s providence, applying the discipline of thanksgiving is relatively simple. Instead of attempting to identify all the “good” things that have happened during a given day or week, simply make a list of the “trials” that have occurred. After listing all the trials, then name the list at the top of the page in big bold letters – “My Gift List” (James 1:2 The Message). Finally, write the reasons why each of the challenges is a gift, which may include potential character enhancements such as increased endurance and greater holiness.
Discipleship: Dietrich Bonhoeffer Works, Volume 4
Dave Earley listed approximately 31 different spiritual disciplines in his training video.[2] However, I found the spiritual disciplines of ambition and thought life particularly interesting. First, growing up in the United States under the mantra of the “American Dream” has caused me to personally struggle with the discipline of ambition. I remember quite some time ago telling my pastor that I wanted to “make something of myself.” He responded by asking me a simple question, “Why?” After that conversation, I have gradually learned the freedom that detaching from achievement can provide. In fact, I currently have a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer on my laptop to remind me of the lesson that states, “One must completely abandon any attempt to make something of oneself.”[3] The second discipline I found interesting was thought life. While reading Donald Whitney’s book on the disciplines, I often remembered times the enemy would attempt to use Scripture against me like he did while tempting Jesus in the desert or when my thoughts would wander during prayer time. Accordingly, a significant risk seems to exist that if one exercises any of the disciplines while allowing thoughts to go awry, then transformation may terminate. Thus, one must not underestimate the seriousness of being “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2 NASB).
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[1]. Liberty University, “Presentation: The Overlooked Disciplines – Saying Thanks,” Liberty University Web site, Microsoft Silverlight file, 8:08, http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1942950_ (accessed March 18, 2013).
[2]. Ibid, 0:29.
[3]. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship, ed. Geffrey B. Kelly and John D. Godsey, trans. Barbara Green and Reinhard Krauss (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003), 308.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Discipleship. Edited by Geffrey B. Kelly and John D. Godsey. Translated by Barbara Green and Reinhard Krauss. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003.
- Liberty University. “Presentation: The Overlooked Disciplines – Saying Thanks.” Liberty University Web site. Microsoft Silverlight file. http://bb7.liberty.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1942950_ (accessed March 18, 2013).
