Thankfulness can be a trigger for allegiance. And an allegiance that is based on true thankfulness will walk far and through a lot of difficulties faithfully. It is loyalty that is done joyfully out of thankfulness.

It is not an "outer" obedience out of fear or hope for a reward. In an "outer" obedience, take away the fear factor or the reward, and the obedience will stop. And if another incentive comes, the "obedience" will move to that.

Whereas thankfulness is for something that has already happened. It is settled. It is enough and, in fact, it is overflowing such that allegiance and adherence to God's will is the only response that makes sense. "Inner" adherence, not "outer" obedience.

This is the essence of following Christ - the desire to adhere to his words out of thankfulness. The adherence is the expression of thanks.

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