Gumption, Grit, Gratitude, Jesus, and Unleavened Bread
Unleavened Bread
Today is the last day of unleavened bread.
Here is the latest Living Church of God commentary:
By Davy Crockett | Thursday, April 12, 2012Sometimes, colloquial expressions–those well-worn, time-honored phrases that have come into common use–are passed from generation to generation as a part of the culture. Hokey? Yes, they can be, but these pithy expressions can convey some wisdom if one actually listens and gives them some thought…Some expressions have to do with human relationships. “Keep your words sweet, because you may have to eat them.” And, “Be kind to people on the way up, because you may need them on your way down.” A few promote perseverance, such as the Japanese proverb that says, “Beginning is easy, continuing is hard.”I am certain that you know many such sayings, and that you probably find yourself using a few from time to time. Many seem to come back to the recurring themes of gumption, grit and gratitude. Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines “gumption” as, “shrewd practical common sense, especially as applied to the problems of life.” Webster’s defines “grit” as “firmness of mind and spirit, unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.”
Those two attributes seem to be in short supply today as we face so many challenges personally and nationally. “Common sense” is often very uncommon today, and the attribute of “stick-to-it-iveness” or perseverance seems to be a rarity. Putting these two character traits into practice would solve many common problems, and would improve the outcome of many crises that people face.
Then, there is “gratitude”—the state of being thankful. Webster’s defines “thankfulness” as being “appreciative of benefits received.” Many people today feel more entitlement than thankfulness, and we seem to live in a time when demands are more common than requests. Too often we lament over what we do not have, instead of being genuinely thankful for what we have.
Not only is a thankful attitude pleasing to those around us; it is pleasing to God, who admonishes us: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Without going into all the details, which can be found in places like John 13-19, the Bible shows that from the time Jesus took up unleavened bread for His last Passover to His crucifixion, Jesus displayed gumption, grit, and gratitude.
On this last day of unleavened bread, many of us have had to take off a day from work or school. Which, depending on the circumstances, may display gumption and/or grit. And all of us should have an attitude of gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the knowledge of His plan of salvation that comes from keeping the same Holy Days that He did.
This last Day of Unleavened Bread lasts until sunset tonight (April 13, 2012). Are you keeping it? If not, why not start now?
Some articles of possibly related interest may include:
Should Christians Keep the Days of Unleavened Bread? Do they have any use or meaning now? What is leaven? This article supplies some biblical answers.
Tradition and Scripture: From the Bible and Church Writings Are traditions on equal par with scripture? Many believe that is what Peter, John, and Paul taught. But did they?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? How do the Holy Days picture God’s plan of salvation? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
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