Introduction
Thanksgiving is a uniquely American tradition, but its heart—a call to gratitude—transcends borders and centuries. For Reformed Christians, thanksgiving should not just be an annual holiday, but our way of life rooted in our understanding of God’s sovereignty and grace. As Paul exhorts in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
This Thanksgiving, let us reflect on how gratitude shapes our stewardship of three key areas: our family relationships, our bodies as we feast, and our finances as Black Friday beckons.
Stewardship of Family Relationships
Thanksgiving often brings families together, sometimes in harmony and other times in tension. I know which I'm preparing for. As stewards of these relationships, we are called to foster unity and grace within our homes, reflecting the love of Christ. Even if the home you are going to gather in does not, we retain the responsibility to be at peace with all men (presumably also including our in-laws) so far as it depends on us. The Reformed tradition emphasizes the covenantal nature of the family as the foundational unit of society, a gift from God to be nurtured and protected.
“The family is a central sphere of dominion under God. Its health and vitality directly influence the health of church and state.”
-- R.J. Rushdoony
In a world that pulls us toward busyness and distractions, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to reconnect, pray together, and recount God’s faithfulness over the past year.
Practical stewardship in this area might include:
Intentional Conversations: Use this time to speak words of encouragement, share testimonies of God’s goodness, and address any relational rifts with grace and humility.
Serving One Another: Look for ways to lighten the load of those hosting or cooking, modeling Christ-like service. Help Clean up before your tryptophan induced nap.
Fostering Gratitude: Lead your family in a time of prayer or sharing what you are thankful for, pointing hearts back to God.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
-- Ephesians 4:32
Stewardship of Your Body During the Feast
The Thanksgiving table is often laden with an abundance of delicious, calorie-laden and seed oil filled food—a tangible reminder of God’s provision and our perversion of it. While enjoying the feast is good and proper, we must also remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and must be stewarded accordingly.
“We are not our own: therefore, let us not seek what is expedient to our own flesh. Let us forget ourselves and all that is ours.”
-- John Calvin
Feasting can glorify God when done with thankfulness and self-control. Overindulgence, however, turns a gift into an idol. Practicing moderation doesn’t mean abstaining from the joys of food but rather savoring them in a way that honors God and prepares us to continue serving Him. If you are on a cut, a day of bulking has to be earned. If you're on a bulk, just don't overdo it.
Consider these ways to steward your body during Thanksgiving:
Eat with Gratitude: Pause to reflect on God’s provision before diving into the meal. Prayers of thanks can transform even the most ordinary dishes into acts of worship.
Exercise Moderation: Enjoy the feast, but avoid gluttony. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, a reflection of our sanctification.
Encourage Physical Activity: After the meal, suggest a walk or a light activity like deadlifting with the family to foster fellowship and care for your body and hit some new PRs.
“The Christian is called to exhibit the Lordship of Christ in every area of life, including his physical being.”
-- Francis Schaeffer
Stewardship of Your Finances During Black Friday
The day after Thanksgiving is often marked by Black Friday sales—a cultural phenomenon that tempts us toward impulsive spending. As Christians, our wallets must also be subject to God’s rule. Reformed theology teaches that all we have belongs to God and must be used wisely for His glory, not wasted on a pair of festive socks or a cheapy made toaster.
“True Christianity is an all-encompassing worldview. It affects not only how we think but how we act, spend, and live.”
-- J. Gresham Machen
Black Friday can be an opportunity to save money on necessary items, but it also carries the risk of fostering covetousness and materialism. To steward your finances well:
Set a Budget: Decide ahead of time how much you will spend and stick to it. Avoid going into debt Christmas gifts.
Shop Purposefully: Make a list of items you need or have planned to purchase, rather than buying on impulse.
Prioritize Generosity: Consider using some of the savings from Black Friday to bless others—whether through gifts, donations, or supporting Christian businesses.
“Do not be a slave to this world’s gain. Let your goods and your hearts be ready for the Master’s use.”
-- Charles Spurgeon
By exercising self-control and prioritizing generosity, you cam transform Black Friday from a materialistic trap into a chance to reflect God’s goodness through your spending habits and be a good witness to your family regarding man's financial dominion under God.
Cultivating a Spirit of Thanksgiving Year-Round
Thanksgiving is not a one-day event for the Christian but a continual posture of the heart.
“Gratitude is the natural response of a heart that understands its dependence on God’s grace in all things.”
-- Greg Bahnsen
By being mindful of how we steward our relationships, bodies, and finances, we honor God’s provision and reflect His character. But this stewardship is not limited to Thanksgiving Day; it extends to every day of our lives.
Consider adopting these practices to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving year-round:
Keep a gratitude journal to record daily blessings (Yes, even you men. It's a journal, not a diary.)
Make family prayer, worship, and shared meals a regular habit.
Review your financial giving and spending habits regularly, ensuring they align with biblical principles.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving offers a rich opportunity to glorify God in all areas of life. By stewarding our relationships, bodies, and finances well, we demonstrate that our gratitude goes beyond words and into action. Let us approach this holiday not as a mere cultural tradition but as an act of worship, reflecting the Apostle Paul’s words in Colossians 3:17:
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, reflection, and gratitude for the boundless grace of our sovereign God.