As parents, most of us find it important to teach our kids to say "thank you."

Since my very first part-time ministry position, I've been trying to remember to say "thank you" to folks. Trying is a key word, because I know I have often failed, including at my present position.

But God revealed something to me over this past weekend.

The key is in Paul's admonition to the Christ-followers in Colossae. Do you see the difference?

It is in those last three words: "and be thankful."

I fear we've taken his inspired 3 words and turned them into 5 less powerful ones.

Paul says, "and be thankful."

I too often say "remember to say thank you."

What a massive difference! If we are thankful, we will say thank you.

So what we've got to do, I'm convinced, is work on gratitude instead of politeness.

I am filled today with gratitude. I don't have to remember to say it, because I can't help but say it. I am so very grateful... for the privilege of worship... of leading worship... and for Jesus who makes it possible for us to be at the feet of the Father together.