Have you ever received a gift that far exceeded what you could have expected? Something so nice that just saying “thank you” seemed inadequate? If anything, you feel like you want to do something special for that person, to show your appreciation, to declare your love. In the same way, when you consider all that Christ did for us on the cross and what He continues to do for us each and every day, it feels so inadequate to simply tell Him, “Thank you.” He has given us eternal life when we didn’t deserve it. And if you look back at the last year, I’m sure you’ll find countless things He has done in your life. In fact, it’s hard not to say, “Wow, God is great! How can I thank Him for everything He has done for me? What can I possibly do to show my appreciation to Him?” It’s funny that we think it’s perfectly normal for people to wear their favorite team’s jersey to a sporting event, and go wild when their team scores. But when you come to church on Sunday morning and someone is lifting up his hands during the worship time, people stare and call him as a fanatic.
Have I received enough encouragement in Christ? Have I received enough consolation of love? Have I received enough of the blessing of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit? Enough affection and compassion—to be grateful? Are you grateful for Christ and your union with him and the encouragement that continues to flow from him to you? Do you have gratitude that the Lord has come close to you to do nothing except put his arm around you and love you? Does it mean anything to you that Christ has taken up residence in your life? Does it mean anything to you that the Holy Spirit has come to dwell within you? That you are the temple of the Holy Spirit? That you are being illuminated, edified, comforted, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit? Does that mean something to you? Does it matter that you have been shown grace upon grace upon grace? Dear friend, you have taken it all? True gratitude says, in response to all that has been done for you, I give you all that I am.
John MacArthur
Are you the fanatic for Jesus?