Grateful Yet?

Why is gratitude a struggle for most of us? As a Pastor I have plenty of conversations with people in good and bad circumstances of life. I have seen some of the most genuine expressions of gratitude from those who have the least of what this world has to offer.

Why is gratitude a struggle for most of us? As a Pastor I have plenty of conversations with people in good and bad circumstances of life. I have seen some of the most genuine expressions of gratitude from those who have the least of what this world has to offer. I also know my own selfish tendencies and desires which indicate a heart that wants more and doesn’t nearly express the gratitude that I should.

The Bible tells us that we are spiritual beings. God has made us in his image and breathed spiritual life back into us through the sacrifice of his son Jesus. While nothing can change this truth we quickly forget it and choose to live in and for the material world. Jesus warned us of this very thing.
“Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-23
We build and buy bigger houses. We have enough clothes to last for years but quickly become tired of them. Our homes are filled with multiple televisions, computers and cell phones. Our kitchen cabinets and stomachs are filled with more food than we need. We are more than blessed!
Consider your material circumstances in light of the following information.
In the world approximately…
– 70% of all people live without heat, running water & electricity
– 70% lack basic education
– 50% are currently malnourished
– 50% are not allowed to worship freely.
If you have clothes on, food in your refrigerator, a roof over your head & spare change in your pocket, you are currently wealthier than about 85% of the world’s population.

What has helped develop my gratitude is the fact that the daily reality for most people is very different from mine. By simply being born in the United States I have been blessed with so much more than most people will ever experience. So I commit to the following. Will you?

1. I will express gratitude often and openly! We already know there are many reasons to be thankful so express it to God and others frequently. The best way to fight a complaining attitude is by replacing it with one of gratitude. Everything we have is from God. Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed 3 us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

2. I will be grateful for imperfect gifts! We have them all around us. Our homes, cars, children, spouses (but don’t tell them that) jobs, churches and even Pastors. Most of us compare the imperfection of our lives with what we believe is the perfection in the lives of others. When you compare you will covet. Stop comparing and become thankful for what other people have. Congratulate them for their blessings. So stop comparing, it’s a cruel thing to do to yourself.

3. Give your stuff away! The best way to break the grip of materialism in your life is to let go of the things that have a hold on you. Be generous with God and give him the tenth he has been asking from you. Seek out opportunities to meet the needs of others and I guarantee God will provide them. Generosity and gratitude go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6

4. Be thankful when times are bad. God’s grace is always present in times of suffering. The Bible reminds us of that. The lie of the world is that gratitude is produced by circumstances. Gratitude is an issue of the heart and can develop no matter what the circumstances. But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Grateful Yet?