Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

                                                                                                             Hebrews 13:15-16 

The Christian life is to be a joyous one. We have abundant life on earth and eternal life with God in His kingdom. How could such a life be anything but joyous? Today’s passage gives us a glimpse as to what believer’s lives are to exemplify.

First, we are to give thanks and praise to God. He is our Creator, Provider, Defender, and Savior. He is worthy of our praise. So we are to daily praise His name for whom He is and what He continues to do in our lives. This tandem of praising God and giving Him thanks can be seen all throughout scripture. Consider the following passages on praising and thanking God:

I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.                                                                       

                                                                                                            Psalm 116:1-2 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.                                               

                                                                                                         Philippians 4:4-6 

Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse. Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. Praise Him with trumpet sound; Praise Him with harp and lyre. Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe. Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!

                                                                                                                   Psalm 150:1-6

Secondly, our relationship with God should affect the way that we handle other people. This is what the writer refers to as “doing good” and “sharing.” Everything we have and own is for the purpose of sharing with others, especially those who are in need. Scripture is also full of passages that deal with the idea of giving and sharing. Consider these truths:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 

                                                                                                               Philippians 2:3-4 

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 

                                                                                                               1 John 3:17-18 

In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

                                                                                                                       Matthew 7:12 

Are you living a life of praising and thanking God? Do you complain about your surroundings or are you thankful for everything that you have? Are you disgruntled with God or are you delighted in Him?

Are you living a life of unselfishly looking after the needs of others? Do you use your wealth to give to those who are in need? Are you looking for ways to serve God by serving others?

Living for ourselves versus living for God will look entirely different. Let’s be a people who joyfully make the most in this life by contributing to kingdom work that yields an eternal difference in the lives of those around us!