Those who know my family know that we raise animals. We love being able to raise livestock and we enjoy the work. Among other things, it keeps my boys busy, and that is a positive thing (Lam. 3:27). There are many other benefits to this type of work, as well. One thing I noticed, however, was as the animals are fed and cared for, it is evident that they have come to expect a certain treatment from their owners (us). They expect us to feed and water, and to take care of them. When fed, and cared for, it gives us some satisfaction in knowing they are healthy and happy. However, I noticed that not one time since we have owned these animals has any of them ever said, "Thank you!" Nor has any shown the slightest inkling that they appreciated what was being done for them daily. In fact, it is as if they think they are "entitled" to such treatment simply because we own them. (As Paul said, "I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness," 2 Cor. 11:1, 21)
Someone will say, "Of course, animals act that way. They are not going to thank you or express appreciation, they are animals!" To this, I say, "You are exactly right!" Yet, all who read this article are not animals! We are more than that! My point is to help us examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5) and ask whether or not we are expressing our gratitude to God as we should. Some speak of folks in society as feeling "entitled" to whatever they have in life. Have we become as one of those people? I pray not!
Gratitude is one of the foundational elements in humanity. There are parents who still teach their children to say "thank you," prodding them and reminding them until it becomes a habit. As children mature, we try to instill in them an attitude of appreciation for gifts and acts of kindness that are shown to them. In contrast, being around an ungrateful person is disgusting! Jesus showed His disgust when He asked the former leper, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" (Luke 17:17). Where were the nine? Why did only one express gratitude for Christ's cleansing when ten were cleansed? Did the nine think they were "entitled" to the healing Christ provided? Not only this, but God shows us that ingratitude has contributed to the downfall of many (Rom. 1:21-32). Ingratitude is more than a social "faux pas." It is a sin!
Gratitude needs to be seen in the lives of all Christians. Colossians 3:15 states the command to Christians to "be thankful." Are we obeying this command? Paul told the Philippians and Thessalonians that we need to be thankful for "everything" (Phil. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:18). This is more than a subtle reminder that all we have comes from God (Acts 17:25)! Ephesians 5:19-20 and Colossians 3:16 are parallel passages telling us that thanksgiving to God needs to be expressed in our songs. Hebrews 13:15 tells us that we need to "give thanks to his name" through our "sacrifice of praise" by the "fruit of our lips." Are we doing this? Are we expressing thanksgiving to God for all the things He provides for us in this life? If not, let us change our attitudes today and be truly thankful by recognizing the One through whom all blessings flow (Eph. 1:3)!
Thanksgiving is expressed around the throne in Heaven (Rev. 7:12). Do we expect to go to Heaven? If we are not thankful to God now, what makes us think we will be welcomed in Heaven to thank God there? Let us check our attitudes and show God the gratitude He so richly deserves!
- The Old Paths, 6/18/17