Sun 9:30a Class; 10:30a Worship; 11:35a Communion
Bible Bites
Be Ye Thankful: Sign of an Appreciative Heart
Ingratitude is the sin of our age. Of all the people who have ever lived, we are the most blessed. And yet we are ungrateful, unappreciative. The world in general and persons in particular seem to feel that the affluency in which they luxuriate is to be expected, that they in some way or other deserve it.
Paul described the Gentiles as those that "when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful" (Romans 1.21). I trust that the people of our day and age are not at the same level of degeneracy as those described by the apostle Paul in this most scathing rebuke. But we are certainly headed in that direction. One of the tell-tale signs is our failure to recognize and give thanks for the lavish surroundings in which we live, the numberless array of blessings we enjoy. We are actually immersed in luxury — luxury for which we often forget to give thanks. Shakespeare called it 'benefits forgot."
'Thank" and "think" are kin. They both have a relation to thought. To think a good thought is what "thanks" is all about. In fact, the early meaning of the word had to do with kindly feelings for someone who had befriended or favored you. So, when you say, 'Thank you," you are actually saying, "I think good thoughts about your favor to me."
'Thank you" is a warm sounding and expressive phrase. No one tires of hearing it. It is never out of order. In this simple expression is to be found one of the few remaining humble remarks made by people. It puts things in order, makes me keep my place with respect. It's hard to be very proud while you're saying 'Thank you." I think an attitude of thankfulness is best developed by getting close to God, by actually realizing how great He is and how He has favored us so richly. Such intimacy makes us think good thoughts about Him. When you come to see the majesty of God, His creative power, His sustaining power, you cannot 'but be impressed. And such impressions make you thankful for His provisions.
We should be thankful for even the smallest things. Things like the seasons so things can grow; heat to keep us warm in the winter and cold to cool us off in the summer; cars; washing machines; doctors; money; popcorn; and peanut butter — all the things that make us happy. We need to even be thankful for periodic chastisement, knowing that it is a sign of God's love for us. All blessings — even the little ones — come from God. How thankful we should be! But when you become aware of sin and its consequences and man's inability to deal with it by himself, then is when you really become grateful to God.
Listen. God has "given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Peter 1.3). Be thankful! He has given us His Son for our salvation (John 3.16). Be thankful! He has given us the avenue of prayer (Hebrews 6..19-22). Be thankful! He has prepared for us a heavenly abode (2 Corinthians 5.1-2). Be thankful! He has given us the days of our lives (Acts 17.28). Be thankful!
