“I Thank My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”

Recently the Houston Texans defeated the favored Cleveland Browns in the NFL playoffs. Following the game, Texas rookie quarterback C. J. Stroud was interviewed and began with these words:

“First and foremost, I just want to give all glory and praise to my Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Stroud is well known for references regarding his faith during interviews. Last year before the NFL draft, Stroud explained why.

“It’s what’s kept me grounded even through my season. Football has a lot of ups and downs, it has a lot of twists and turns, but at the end of the day, it’s all about your foundation. And something that’s set my foundation is my faith.”

While I don’t know anything about his specific beliefs or religious affiliation, Stroud is to be commended for not hiding his faith in Jesus.

Of course, there are many other high profile athletes who often speak publicly about their faith when they thank God. Among them, NBA all star, Stephen Curry, MLB pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, and NFL quarterbacks, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes.

It’s often argued that God doesn’t care who wins a football, basketball, or baseball game. While that’s probably true, God does care about us being thankful in every situation of life. Being thankful for our opportunities. Being thankful for our successes. Being thankful for our prosperity. That’s true, regardless of our profession, occupation, social standing, or economic status.

The Bible admonishes, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18).

The two word admonition “give thanks” is found 40 times in Scripture. Among them an oft repeated refrain in the Psalms, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness” (Ps. 107:8).

God’s goodness extends of every realm of life. From the beauty of creation and the majesty of the cosmos, to our material blessings and daily bread, and of course, to the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ and the hope of everlasting life. It all proclaims, “God is good.”

Whenever we achieve a goal in life, in whatever arena, its always appropriate to thank God. To remember that our blessings are not solely the result of our own ingenuity, brilliance, strength, or hard work. To recognize that God is the Giver “of every good and perfect gift” (Jas. 1:18). And to remind others in whom our faith resides.

“Giving thanks in all circumstances,” requires an attitude of gratitude in both good times and bad times. Following their playoff loss last week to the Baltimore Ravens, Stroud was asked about his faith. He responded, “It’s what I lean on through thick and thin.”

The ancient Roman philosopher, Cicero is credited with saying, “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.” Indeed grateful people tend to be loving, kind, caring, generous, forgiving, and humble. Truly grateful people aren’t shy about expressing their thankfulness and giving in return.

Bible commentator William Hendrickson went so far as to opine that “when a person prays without giving thanks, he has clipped the wings of prayer, so that it cannot rise.”

As a sidebar to the Stroud story, when his post game interview with sideline reporter Kathryn Tappen was posted by NBC, they edited the video and removed his first words, giving thanks to the Lord.

Wonder why? Why would they intentionally remove words that Stroud has stated are fundamental to his life?

Suppose the network would have removed his opening statement if it fit their political, social, or immoral agenda?

It’s no secret that our secular culture is hostile to Christianity. Many in the media and positions of power will try to censure anything honoring Jesus. Thus, it’s imperative for Christians not to engage in self-censure about our faith. Never be ashamed to give thanks to the Lord. Regardless of the circumstances.

Finally, G. K. Chesterton expressed it well when he wrote, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman