Thankfulness grows your business

Apostle Steve Lyston, Contributor

Expressing our gratitude to God for carrying us throughout the year, particularly a year like this which was challenging and testing to many individuals and organisations, is extremely important, because it also brings increase and blessing.

In the midst of all we have been through during this year, not only has it served to strengthen us, but it has brought out creative ideas, increased our knowledge and has even pulled people closer together. The overall conclusion is that we must give thanks for life, health, strength and sound minds - because the fact that you are alive says that there is hope to recover, reform, restructure and reorganise for growth and prosperity for 2011!

When we give thanks for daily provision, life and favour that God has given us, He will expand our lives and organisations with favour, grace and increase. Thanksgiving to God is the master key for greater things ahead. Many individuals and organisations started out in 2010 but are not here now. So, for the main fact that you are physically able to read this article you must give God thanks.

Thankfulness is the expression of grateful appreciation to God and also to individuals. It also addresses the past and the present, and brings in future blessings to us. Thankfulness motivates both God and individuals. For example, when a company hosts a customer-appreciation function, they are telling their customers thanks for their invaluable support and thanks in advance for their support in the year ahead. Likewise, in giving thanks to God, we are thanking Him for helping us to date and asking Him to continue with us in the coming year!

Additionally, thankfulness means giving back from what was given to or afforded you, for example, profit-sharing and bonuses! By expressing thankfulness, we will experience great change!

How To Express Thankfulness

We must start by honouring God first, and there are many ways to do it! By giving to carry out God's business on earth, you are honouring Him! (Proverbs 3)

Remember the good things God has done for you, your family and your organisation. God has spared your life and kept your organisation from failing. He has silenced your competitors, He has allowed you to keep your job, He has reduced your debt and has given you favour in high places, and even allowed you to gain new contracts. Remembering causes you to be and remain thankful!

Before Jesus changed the five loaves and two fish into a meal that fed thousands, the first thing He did was give thanks to God, and multiplication and expansion took place and made way for greater order to enter the group. Without order, there can't be any growth or economic stability.

For any nation to rise out of its problems, order needs to be maintained in the nation and organisations, from top to bottom. Jesus showed us that He could not manage or function effectively without relying totally on His Heavenly Father. So thanksgiving guarantees God's blessings, and His blessings guarantee everything.

What you are most thankful about will begin to multiply and expand in your life and organisation.

In the same way that Lazarus was raised from the dead after Jesus gave thanks to God, thankfulness can resurrect dead potential, talents, gifts, manifestos and visions. It is also the 'PIN' or 'CODE' that unlocks that vault holding the hidden treasures and the solutions needed.

Giving to the poor is also a way of showing thankfulness. (Psalm 41) It guarantees you seven blessings in return. Reach out to communities this season! Find some poor forgotten public servants - teachers, nurses, policemen, sportspersons, pastors and mentors who have contributed to the society - even some past employees that have contributed to your organisation.

Have a day of Thanksgiving in the workplace - show your thankfulness to God within the organisation because He wants to enter in. Remember that He is the chief investor and the ultimate chairman of the board of directors.

Give thanks!

Apostle Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire'.