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“. . . giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20 ESV) |
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Teaching on the above scripture, I was blessed with many remarkably wise notes from the brethren. Here are a few … Jonah & gratitude As I read those texts on gratitude I was reminded of Jonah. Is that what lack of gratitude looks like? It didn’t work out so well for him. Bet it won’t work out so well for us either when we’re like that…The ungrateful miss out on the beauty and wonder that surrounds them. They see failing light and mud puddles instead a beautiful storm and rainbows. That appears to be Jonah’s situation. I pray it can be ours less of the time. One with most toys One of my boys is forever asking for more. For years I have sung the AWANA verse for Hebrews 13:5 to him in reply. [Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” NASB] If we cannot be grateful for a God that will “never leave us or forsake us,” then more stuff is never going to satisfy. Weight of good and glory You are right: the default setting of my heart is ingratitude, discontent and unhappiness because of what I perceive to be bad; rather than joy and thankfulness and contentment for what is good. When I think about this objectively rather than emotionally, it is not even rational! The good far, far, far outweighs the bad in my life and focusing on the bad just puts a black cloud over what is good. Say “thank you” often There is a little sign hanging in my kitchen window. It says “Miracles happen, say thank you often.” As I look back over the years I can see time and time again when God moved people and circumstances to benefit me and mine. God is good ALL the time. Saying “thank you” is what gracious people do, what grace filled people do. Perhaps Christians should be more aware of the grace we have been shown/given. Then, overcome by its enormity, we will want to share it. |