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Have you ever gone out of your way for someone who showed no appreciation? They never bothered to even say “thank you.” That’s what you call an ingrate; a thankless, ungrateful self-centered person. Parents, imagine working all day to protect and provide for your child. Yes, it’s your duty. But you’d gladly go an extra mile if that child’s actions show they appreciate your sacrifice. Heart-felt gratitude from an adoring wife would cause a husband to move mountains to please her. And just think how a wife must feel when her family recognizes and praises her constant efforts to make their house a home.
Words of thankfulness and appreciation nourish the soul. They let us know that our kind, loving efforts are valued, do matter and make a difference. Recently, I was thinking about all the financial and personal sacrifices my mother made for me as I was growing up. It was not enough for me to remember. I picked up the phone and called her just to say, “thank you.”
Gratitude also gauges man’s spiritual condition. In fact ingratitude is so offensive to God, it triggers His wrath. Romans 1:18-29 tells that story.
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people …For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles...”
Believe it or not, God commands us to be grateful. If you have trouble spotting ungratefulness in your life, maybe you’ll recognize its cousins: A critical spirit; a heart of discontent and un-thankfulness; a griping, complaining disposition; never satisfied; and/or desiring what others have. God calls that covetousness, a violation of the 10th commandment.
When was the last time you cursed your Monday as you murmured and complained about getting out of bed to go to work? That day was framed by a spirit of ingratitude. No wonder nothing went well. Next time, don’t be an ingrate. Heed the advice in Psalm 118:24 and start off by declaring, “This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Have you ever secretly coveted “The Jones” who seem to be living the good life when all you have is a mountain of overdue bills? Do you gripe about your troubles and find little time to be grateful for what you do have? Don’t be an ingrate. This offends God. He doesn’t even want us approaching Him with that attitude. Psalm 100:4 tells us to, “Enter into His presence with thanksgiving and into his courts with Praise.” “Be thankful unto him...” Why? “Because the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting and his truth endures to all generations.” (v. 5)
In Philippians 4:12 the Apostle Paul said: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
The secret to contentment is being grateful, being thankful. Don’t take things for granted. Praise and appreciate the love and kindness of your family and friends. And above all, know this: Thou shall never be an ingrate if you always give God thanks.
Scripture Of The Day: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." - Psalm 100:4 (NKJ)
By Sharon Frame.--Happy Thanksgiving. mywordshismessage@yahoo.com
Have you ever gone out of your way for someone who showed no appreciation? They never bothered to even say “thank you.” That’s what you call an ingrate; a thankless, ungrateful self-centered person. Parents, imagine working all day to protect and provide for your child. Yes, it’s your duty. But you’d gladly go an extra mile if that child’s actions show they appreciate your sacrifice. Heart-felt gratitude from an adoring wife would cause a husband to move mountains to please her. And just think how a wife must feel when her family recognizes and praises her constant efforts to make their house a home.
Words of thankfulness and appreciation nourish the soul. They let us know that our kind, loving efforts are valued, do matter and make a difference. Recently, I was thinking about all the financial and personal sacrifices my mother made for me as I was growing up. It was not enough for me to remember. I picked up the phone and called her just to say, “thank you.”
Gratitude also gauges man’s spiritual condition. In fact ingratitude is so offensive to God, it triggers His wrath. Romans 1:18-29 tells that story.
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people …For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles...”
Believe it or not, God commands us to be grateful. If you have trouble spotting ungratefulness in your life, maybe you’ll recognize its cousins: A critical spirit; a heart of discontent and un-thankfulness; a griping, complaining disposition; never satisfied; and/or desiring what others have. God calls that covetousness, a violation of the 10th commandment.
When was the last time you cursed your Monday as you murmured and complained about getting out of bed to go to work? That day was framed by a spirit of ingratitude. No wonder nothing went well. Next time, don’t be an ingrate. Heed the advice in Psalm 118:24 and start off by declaring, “This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Have you ever secretly coveted “The Jones” who seem to be living the good life when all you have is a mountain of overdue bills? Do you gripe about your troubles and find little time to be grateful for what you do have? Don’t be an ingrate. This offends God. He doesn’t even want us approaching Him with that attitude. Psalm 100:4 tells us to, “Enter into His presence with thanksgiving and into his courts with Praise.” “Be thankful unto him...” Why? “Because the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting and his truth endures to all generations.” (v. 5)
In Philippians 4:12 the Apostle Paul said: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
The secret to contentment is being grateful, being thankful. Don’t take things for granted. Praise and appreciate the love and kindness of your family and friends. And above all, know this: Thou shall never be an ingrate if you always give God thanks.
Scripture Of The Day: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." - Psalm 100:4 (NKJ)
By Sharon Frame.--Happy Thanksgiving. mywordshismessage@yahoo.com
