For some, the word eucharist can be off-putting. It suggests ritual, sacraments, and liturgy. It can seem like the very opposite of a personal relationship with God.
But eucharist is word that all of us can embrace. It comes from the Greek, eucharisteó, which means “to give thanks.” This behavior should not only be central to the life of every Christian, but it’s also what distinguishes humans from all other created beings.
Creation owes its existence to God. “In Him we live and move and have our being,” as the Scripture says. But only people can offer thanks to God for life and every other blessing.
Other animals can walk upright. Some even seem to have the capacity for language. But, so far as we know, humans alone have the capacity to realize that we enter the world with nothing and leave with nothing. Everything in between is a gift—and worthy of offering thanks to the One who provides all things.
This is one of the many reasons I love the Thanksgiving holiday. While I thoroughly enjoy getting together with family and friends, I especially look forward to reflecting on the past year and offering thanks to God for his many, many blessings. It’s our highest privilege as people.
When people ask Dave Ramsey how he is doing, he typically responds, “Better than I deserve.” That expresses my sentiment exactly.
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