"Forget not the why of the gospel of Jesus Christ, [which is what our Thanksgiving Holiday is all about.] The gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation; it is a pathway, marked by our loving Father in Heaven, leading to happiness and peace in this life and glory and inexpressible fulfillment in the life to come. The gospel is a light that penetrates mortality and illuminates the way before us...When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the gospel...becomes precious and sweet...seek out the majesty, the beauty, and the exhilarating joy of the “why” of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
When we understand that God gave us commandments for our happiness, we cease to feel rebellion at being told to do thus and such. Think about each of the ten commandments.
1&2. You shall have no other gods before Me and graven images...this seems to come from some arrogant being. However, when we look behind the command we see joy. In each generation, youth and some adults find idols to worship, sometimes without even knowing it. Money, possessions, recreational activities, and so forth often get in the way of worshiping God or the way to true happiness. There is no way back to the Father but through the Son. Surely, the latest gadget isn't as magnificent as heaven. I am thankful for my knowledge of the gospel and belief in the Father and the Son. I know they give commands to make me happy.
3&4. Lord's name in vain/Sabbath Day holy...Have you ever heard epithets spoken with joy. No, usually they are uttered with contention, which comes from the adversary. Those that possess true charity of the pure love of Christ would seem odd saying the words that spring so freely from the mouths of infidels. Sabbath rest is for the benefit of our health and spirituality. Science is beginning to recognize the folly of multi-tasking and over-working. True happiness is not found at the mall, campground, restaurant, etc. It is found in the Father and the Son. When we worship at church, listen to the voice of His servants, study the scriptures, serve/fellowship other believers, and minister to the sick, afflicted, and prisoners, we discover unimaginable joy. I am thankful for the benefits of the Sabbath Day and the peace that comes from honoring the name of God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.
5. Honoring parents brings a connection that isn't found elsewhere. When parents get older, often they have wisdom to share if we listen. I am thankful for the opportunity of caring for my dying inlaws recently. As hard as it was, I learned a great deal and hopefully strengthened my character. I am thankful for all the time I've been able to spend with my parents and grandmother in the last few years.
6&7. Don't murder or commit adultery. Hurting others we hurt ourselves. I am thankful for the wisdom of God. I think of all the suffering and disease that comes from illicit relations and am grateful for His guidance. I think of all the sweet babies lost at the hands of abortionists and the deep sorrow caused to the unsuspecting mothers. I think of all the families destroyed by little flings. I am thankful and filled with joy that I understood at a young age that sexual relations should be reserved for marriage and life, even of the unborn, is precious.
8&9. Stealing and bearing false witness go hand in hand in many ways. One is taking the possessions of another. The other is taking their character. This hurts the other and eventually the thief. I am thankful that God taught me about these things. Hurting others is not a happy occupation.
10. Coveting is the worst sin of all. Maybe it isn't the worst towards others, but the worst we commit against ourselves. Not only can it lead to one and all of the above, it brings a serious feeling of discontent. I am thankful to be happy with what I have. I am thankful that I was taught to work hard for things I wanted. I am thankful to learn that joy is not found in possessions, but in close relationships, service, and the love of God.
