Hebrews 12:28-29 “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.”
When was the last time you thanked someone and conveyed your gratitude about the things they have done for you? Do you have a grateful heart?
We are reminded in the verses above to express gratitude for everything that God and other people have done for us and meant to. Gratitude is a heart that God desires. Being grateful is a demonstration of humility, and it enables us to acknowledge that it is God who has made it possible for us to be where we are and to have what we have available to us right now.
In contrast, Paul discusses the dangerous times that will come in the end days, and among the long list of bad behaviours that he portrays, there is one word that seems to be out of place from the rest of the list.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”
Did you notice the word that seems out of place? Among the 19 or 20 descriptions that Paul used to characterize the difficult times in the last days, he listed the word ungrateful. A lack of gratitude doesn’t seem to be that heinous a crime. So what? The truth is that ingratitude is at the root of all the other sins listed in the last days. An ungrateful heart assumes that I am the sole explanation for all that I am and have! This Thanksgiving season, pray for a grateful heart. Blow your family away with kindness and gratitude. The Bible calls it our “acceptable service …”
Put together a list of people for whom you are grateful, and then express to them how much you value their presence in your life. Give God the thanks that you have for Him. Thank God for everything that He has done for you.
When you commend someone, be precise. The Psalmist said that we enter the gates of Heaven with thanksgiving, but we enter God’s courts with praise! Cultivate a grateful heart through the power of praise. Each day, make it a habit to express gratitude to God and to others.