#561: Four Inspiring Thanksgiving Reflections for Christian Business Leaders

In the spirit of “Thanksgiving Reflections,” we’re shifting our lens slightly from our regular discussions on Christian leadership.

As we pause amidst our bustling schedules this Thanksgiving season, it’s imperative to foster a space of gratitude and reflection. And what better way to guide our thoughts than through the poignant verses of “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come”?

Penned by Henry Alford in 1844, this hymn speaks to the heart of Thanksgiving Reflections, offering timeless sentiments that resonate profoundly, even in today’s fast-paced business landscape. Let’s journey stanza by stanza through this hymn and glean the profound sentiments it conveys.

First Stanza:

Lyrics:

Come, ye thankful people, come,

Raise the song of harvest home;

All is safely gathered in,

Ere the winter storms begin;

God, our Maker, doth provide

For our wants to be supplied;

Come to God’s own temple, come;

Raise the song of harvest home.

Reflection:

Central to our Thanksgiving Reflections, this stanza beckons us to acknowledge and appreciate the culmination of our efforts – very much like a harvest reaped in due season. It’s a vivid reminder of God’s provisions in our business and personal ventures.

Second Stanza:

Lyrics:

All the world is God’s own field,

Fruit unto His praise to yield;

Wheat and tares together sown,

Unto joy or sorrow grown;

First the blade, and then the ear,

Then the full corn shall appear;

Lord of harvest, grant that we

Wholesome grain and pure may be.

Reflection:

This stanza serves as a cornerstone in our Thanksgiving Reflections. It underscores the notion of divine accountability, urging us, as Christian business leaders, to balance success with righteousness.

Third Stanza:

Lyrics:

For the Lord our God shall come,

And shall take His harvest home;

From His field shall in that day

All offenses purge away;

Give His angels charge at last

In the fire the tares to cast;

But the fruitful ears to store

In His garner evermore.

Reflection:

This stanza touches on the theme of divine accountability. As Christian business leaders, it’s a timely reminder that while striving for success, we must also prioritize righteousness. The ‘harvest’ is twofold: our worldly endeavors and spiritual journey, which God observes and rewards.

Fourth Stanza:

Lyrics:

Even so, Lord, quickly come

To Thy final harvest home;

Gather Thou Thy people in,

Free from sorrow, free from sin;

There, forever purified,

In Thy presence to abide;

Come, with all Thine angels, come;

Raise the glorious harvest home.

Reflection:

Concluding our Thanksgiving Reflections, this stanza shifts our focus from the temporal to the eternal. It reminds us that beyond our business pursuits lies the ultimate goal of unity with the Divine.

As we approach Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to reflect on our professional journey within the context of our faith. Have we recognized God’s hand in our successes? Have we sought His guidance in our challenges? Let this season not only be a celebration of our earthly blessings but also a deep, heartfelt gratitude for the eternal hope and grace we have in God. May you find profound joy and thankfulness in this season, always remembering the Source of our blessings.

Discussion Questions

These questions can serve as a valuable framework for guiding a thoughtful and engaging discussion about the article and how its insights and perspectives apply to our lives today.

• Reflection on Providence: How have you seen God’s timely provision in your business journey, similar to the “harvest” described in the hymn? Can you share an instance where you felt His guiding hand?
• Challenges and Growth: The hymn speaks of both “wheat” (rewards) and “tares” (challenges). As a Christian business leader, how do you balance pursuing success and maintaining spiritual integrity, especially during challenging times?
• Eternal Perspective: The hymn ultimately directs our focus towards the eternal reunion with God. How does this eternal perspective influence your decisions and leadership style?
• Thankfulness in Leadership: In what tangible ways do you express gratitude to God within your professional sphere? How does thankfulness manifest in your leadership style?
• Application of the Hymn: As we reflect on the profound sentiments of “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” what is one action step you feel compelled to take as a business leader during this Thanksgiving season?

More Articles

I have written several articles on dependence on God. You can find them by typing “Dependence on God” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of the most recent articles.

• #548: Do You Know the Power of “I Will Be With You” in Your Life?
• #524: Have You Given Up on The Promise of God Prematurely?
• #500: Do You Take God to Work with You on Monday Morning?
• #490: Do You Know How to Handle a Disheartening Trial in Life?
• #489: Are You Listening to A Shouting Crowd or Jesus?

Join the Conversation

As always, questions and comments are welcome. What are you especially thankful for this year?

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