15 Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. – Hebrews 13:15
We aim too low when we settle for evangelism. When we are told to “acknowledge” Him, His movement, and His presence, we many times just assume it is to be our duty to constantly tell others of Jesus. Of course this is not to be discouraged, but it does not get to the heart of the call. Many are great evangelists, yet inside are wasting away. Their spiritual nourishment is missing while their outward appearance of the spiritual is grand. Their souls may not be anchored in the continual thankfulness of Christ’s finished work.
To acknowledge is to go deeper. It does not merely settle for one avenue of missions but explodes into the limitless – it is a life led by an uncontainable Spirit. It is vital to point out that in this verse, “praise” is mentioned before “acknowledge”. In much of the Bible we are urged to see the life we have, our circumstances and challenges, and grow in thankfulness. This is at the heart of recognizing the Holy in it all. When we orientate the deepest part of our being towards offering thanks to our Savior, we then acknowledge Him, not as a duty, but as a delight. It becomes natural to be thankful because our mind, heart, and faith are already turned in that direction. It is not solely a thought shared but a life lived. Jesus reminds us that the movement of our lips is a result of the outpouring of our heart.
Today, feed your soul with thanks. Remember a time He carried your weary bones past dire circumstances. Recall times where He was present in the turmoil of life. Offer praise and thanks to your quiet rescuer. Let this be where acknowledgment starts.
Matt simon blog 