For many evangelical Christians, the word eucharist is a scary word. It suggests ritual, sacrament, and liturgy. For them, this seems to be the very opposite of a personal relationship with God through Christ.
But eucharist is word that all Christians, regardless of tradition, should embrace. It is no accident that for two thousand years it has been central to the experience of millions and millions of Christians.
The term comes form the Greek word, eucharisto—“to give thanks.” Not only should this behavior be central to the life of every Christian, but it is that which distinguishes man from every other created being.
All of creation owes its existence to God. As the Apostle Paul noted, “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Only man has the capacity to offer thanks to God for life and every other blessing.
Other animals can walk upright. Some even seem to have the capacity for language. But, so far as we know, man alone has the capacity to realize that he comes into the world with nothing and leaves with nothing (see Job 1:21). Everything in between is a gift—and worthy of offering thanks to the One who provides all things.
This is one of the many reasons I love the Thanksgiving holiday. While I thoroughly enjoy getting together with my family and sharing a meal together, I especially look forward to reflecting on the past year and offering thanks to God for his many, many blessings.
When people ask Dave Ramsey how he is doing, he typically responds, “Better than I deserve.” That expresses my sentiment exactly.
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