"Just Be Thankful"

"I will freely sacrifice unto Thee: I will praise Thy name, O LORD; for it is good." (Psalms 54:6) Even though it is hard, doing what is right is what we must set our hearts upon; besides just setting our hearts upon that which is to come, we must continue to strive towards perfection; which is something else that many will try and disagree about, saying, We can't be perfect, so why should we even try? Two reasons that come to mind are listed within this verse, the first of which is to "freely sacrifice" unto God; something that requires giving of a 'sacrifice' without expectation of anything in return, not even a reward for your effort. Maybe the fault in Cain's sacrifice was not just that it was lacking of substance, but maybe his heart was also not in the right place, and he was giving sacrifice as if it would increase his harvest, or bless his labor. One thing that really strikes me about 2 Corinthians 10:6, and something that I have never really thought of before, is that we don't let up by doing what is right, as if doing something that is right allows us some sort of relief; but we are to be "having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience", which means that we 'stand' prepared to do it again and again, not setting down, as if it's now time to take a break. That is the whole reason that works do not count towards righteousness; not that works do not count, because they are the demonstration of our love and affection towards what God has already done; but our righteousness, is not of ourselves, but is completely of Jesus Christ; therefore, we are not striving for perfection because we think that we can be perfect, we are striving for perfection because He was perfect, and we should try to be like Him. The actual meaning of "freely" is that of free-will, which means, readiness of mind to give; it is a voluntary offering which is given willingly and spontaneously. The example giving for 'willingness' is that of "very prompt for military service", which is a heart that is willing to sacrifice all for the sake of something they believe in. Which brings me to the second reason, that being, "I will praise Thy name, O LORD; for it is good". There is nothing that we can do to pay God back for what He has done for us, so that is not even considered; but being thankful is not considered payment either, it is our response to God's abundant grace... "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (as it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever. Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God." (2 Corinthians 9:7-11)