Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ~ Romans 12:2
Thanksgiving holiday traditions in America trace their origins back to English Puritans who courageously sought to establish a purer form of Christian community in the New World. They had witnessed the drab conformity of their Christian counterparts in Britain and also vividly remembered cruel religious rivalries and bloodshed. Circumstance tested their faith as they raised funds, recruited intrepid pioneers, and gained necessary permits and provisions. A perilous sea crossing followed by terrible hardships on land left a band of survivors resembling the remnant of Israel at the end of the Exodus or after the diaspora.
The deep commitment of the puritan pilgrims stemmed from their devotion to the Kingdom of Christ. No cost was too high for them. They rejected British royal headship over the Church like early Christians who willingly rejected the lordship of Caesar. The pilgrims gave thanks for their blessings and their suffering, even after losing so many of their family and friends. They recognized good and perfect gifts from above and realized a deeper devotion to the LORD when they made His Kingdom the highest priority.
Popular culture and time-compression leave many of us with stereotypical images of the puritans. Tall hats, belts, and shoes with big buckles; plain dresses, white aprons, and bonnets come to mind. Friendly, half-naked natives and big roasted turkeys serve as backdrops for our celebrations, but the images are caricatures. Images of savage, superstitious puritans condemning and burning women accused of witchcraft may remain from a month earlier - thus, critics often derided conservative Christians as “puritanical” haters - but those are also caricatures. In fact, puritans were, like many pioneer Americans, forward thinking visionaries whose spirit of adventure combined with their faith to embrace risk. Their industry caused their society to diversify. The puritan culture divested its predecessor and eventually saw its own divestiture as Christians strove to create a better way.
History strongly suggests that there is no pure Christian society until Christ returns. In the meantime, believers strive to reject false gods and corruption. They adapt and overcome while hoping to resist pride, oppression, and accusation. When temptations of the flesh break down the purist expressions of faith, and they always do, pioneer Christians boldly move toward fresh expressions of the Scriptural mandates.
Pilgrims are sojourners seeking a holy place or outcome for spiritual enlightenment. Exodus is often antecedent - before going to something better, pilgrims must reject something lesser. Does your religion seem corrupt? Is your spiritual life dry and lifeless? Is your faith in Christ and commitment to His Kingdom such that others will realize it? Will they mock you and nickname you “puritans” or “methodists”? Will your priorities change so that you willingly embrace the cost of discipleship? If these things are true in your life, then you can give thanks for suffering and the good and perfect things from above.
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