The Christian life is inherently hard, as we are called to continually put off our old nature and put on the new nature we have in Christ. But we shouldn't despair that we are consigned to a miserable existence. Christian people should be those filled with thankfulness for what God has done, is doing, and will do in the future. Paul understood this as a man who faced both blessing and hardship. If we truly believe that God has given us all things in Christ, it should leave no room for complaint. Thanksgiving is an antidote against the temptation to sin and the fatigue of sanctification, and it is a marker for those who claim to be "children of light."