AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

I Was Just Thinking About - - - 

Most lives are busy and filled with responsibilities. Because of the pressure of routines and responsibilities, we sometimes forget to acknowledge a thoughtful action or kindness with any expression of gratitude. It isn’t necessarily because one in unappreciative. It is most likely because there are too many things coursing one’s mind that block out the simple Thank You!

Recently, the news conveyed that Andrea Crouch had died at the age of 72. While his career bridge both the secular and sacred music fields, he was known differently by different people groups. For those with a sacred music orientation, there was the reminder of the time when he sensed the need to satisfy that which was missing within his soul. He professed faith in Jesus Christ. Afterwards, he composed a song that would serve as both his testimony and expression of gratitude. The title he gave to his composition was, My Tribute. Some of the Lyric he wrote was: How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved yet you gave To prove your love for me…To God be the glory, to God be the glory…for the things he has done; With his blood he has saved me With his power he has raised me To God be the glory for the things he has done…”

There are different ways one can show an attitude of gratitude.The Book of Psalms is a textbook regarding ways one can express thanksgiving and gratitude.There is a subtle implication for the one who has received a spiritual benefit from God in Christ. There is not only to be the verbal exclamation but also demonstrable acts of one’s gratitude. Luke 12:48 states the principle of demonstrable acts of gratitude: “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” This verse is stating that we are to be good stewards of that which has been committed and entrusted to us. The Book of James in its entirety is stating this principle in clear and precise terms. One may argue that he/she doesn’t have the resources to do all of what needs to be done. 

There are at least two areas that should be considered. First, Who is the Source for what you have as a resource. We must remember the practical import of Philippians 4:19 (NLT), “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Second, what God has indicated and promised to those who are responsive to Him in terms of needs and responsiveness to them. If we give to the needs of others, does God know and notice this? Is there any added blessing for those who respond to the needs of others? Consider the following Scriptural emphases: Luke 6:38 (ESV), “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” In Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV), “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Then in II Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV) we read, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

All of us have choices that are made and priorities we embrace. The ways of God are beyond one’s complete comprehension. Consider Romans 11:33-36, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever.” Similar words are expressed in Isaiah 55:8-9, the Lord says: “…My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts are higher than your thoughts…” Our God reigns and He never fails. He is the reason why we should maintain an attitude of gratitude. Consider these things with me.