For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:18-22.
God is angry with those who reject Him as glorious/honorable and righteous/good. God is angry with those who do not exalt Him or acknowledge His kindnesses handed out day in and day out with thoughts and words of appreciation (God gives rain to rebels!).
God has clearly revealed His being and doings to all men – His Godhead and eternal power!
His attributes are clearly seen – in men!
Men are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28). God is triune (Matt. 28:19, John 10:30, Phil. 2:5, Col. 1:15-19) and thus understands love, peace, joy, fellowship and communication. If God were a single entity – not a one-in-three triunity – He would only know love, peace, joy, fellowship and communication in theory. To know them experientially He would need beings who could appreciate and practice the same. He would be needy and man would be necessary. BUT – God is not needy! And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else (Acts 17:25).
So, man, being in God’s image, has desires that God enjoys in His being – love, peace, joy, etc.
Likewise, in every man is a desire to honor and to serve. In most cases it is to honor self and to serve self. Yet, in some cases it is to honor others and to serve others in addition to doing such for self (for some, the self-service aspect is secondary in importance). But for those truly saved, there comes a desire to loudly honor God and serve Him fully, joyfully and even radically! It is to glorify God and to see His handiwork (in creation) and His hand (doings) and be thankful!
Man’s purpose and fulfillment is seen in Jesus: I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do, John 17:4. Purpose? To glorify God and to obey Him fully!
Man’s purpose is not the corner office, the condo, the boat, a trophy, the bucket list, the children, the Colts or Padres, the opera, the car or house or art work – NOT! It is celebrating who God is and noting and praising Him for what He does! It is about His being and about His doings. It is about He Be and He Do!
Such is salvation – John 3:16 – embracing that there is a God who is kind and good (love) and deeply cares about His world and personally came to pay the debt owed to Him by selfish and rebellious men (they do not honor His Be and do not appreciate His Do) that they not be sent away from His presence in judgement but be accepted into His realm. Salvation is about acknowledging that He Be and what He Do with love and humility.
Wisdom is to realize and proclaim God’s greatness and grandeur and to see and thank Him for His touches, leadings and gifts.
God calls men to glorify Him and to be thankful.
So, this Thanksgiving, let’s not be primarily about turkey, family and football, but let’s be about God’s greatness and vocal in gratitude to Him and to others for His gifts of turkey, family and “football” and/or other pleasures and perks!
a PK Musing 
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