The Secret Sauce

I am going to give you the secret formula for a happy and content life.  The secret sauce, if you will.  It’s a bit complicated so prepare yourself for a cerebral workout.   

Be thankful.  That’s it.  You’re welcome.

Being thankful is a lifestyle, and it’s also the great equalizer.  You can have lots, or you can have little.  Keeping up with the Joneses is exhausting.  Being grateful for what you have is exhilarating. 

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…and be thankful.” - Colossians 3:15

The peace found in Christ is known as “shalom”; a powerful Hebrew word that means total well-being, prosperity and security through God.  It’s not a peace that any product, paycheck or person can give you.  Paul, who wrote the letter to the Colossians, tells us to let that peace rule in our hearts.  It’s the same word “rule” used for umpires and judges in the Greek games.  

Paul is saying that no matter what is going on in life, that is the barometer for our contentment: what we have in Christ.  Then, be thankful for it.  Thankful in the Greek means “rejoicing, conscious of benefits; grateful for being well favored”! 

Not too shabby.

Paul goes on to say:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:16–17, ESV

Let the Gospel message saturate you with Grace and share it with those around you.  Get a song of gratitude in your heart, and whatever you end up doing today, do it through the Hope you have in Jesus. 

And be thankful.

Grace and Peace,

Tyler