But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, -2 Timothy 3:1-2 (NKJV) (Emphasis mine)
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Scripture says in the last days, perilous times will come and that will produce in men certain ungodly traits which include being ungrateful. Perilous connotes trouble, difficulty, risky, dangerous, or stressful situations. The havoc and uncertainties of COVID-19 have caused a lot of fear and stress.
Saying “Thank you ” will be difficult for men because they have become lovers themselves. They will appreciate nothing. allowing selfishness to get in the way of acknowledging God.
To be thankful is to be grateful or to be appreciative.
The Bible, our manual for living, is loaded with verses that command us to be thankful always. But one may ask; “ why should I be thankful?” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 answers this question.
“ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”-1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
Giving thanks, not in some things or a few things but in Everything for it is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Ephesians 5:17 admonishes us to understand the will of God. We often interpret God’s will for our life to be some big, mystical plan that we’re constantly in search of, when that will, has been provided in His word for us. All that is required of us is to obey.
What should we be thankful for?
Thankfulness is usually in response to a gift or a good act. But for the believer in Christ Jesus, thankfulness should not be limited to only gifts and good acts. We are to be grateful in all things; good or bad. That sounds impossible to do in bad circumstances. God is not asking us to pretend but to trust Him in the most difficult situations because all things work together for good -Romans 8:28. Giving thanks in all things is therefore a demonstration of faith or trust in God at all times. Thankfulness must become a lifestyle, not a duty or an obligation.
We have to be grateful to God for all things – everything that pertains to life, godliness, and precious promises – 2 Peter1 :3-4. The more we know God, the more we will appreciate Him. When we become aware of the good things He has given us, the more thankful we will be. And as we reflect on the goodies, let’s not forget our greatest gift from God, Jesus Christ, and our salvation through Him. In Colossians 1:12, Apostle Paul admonishes the believers to give “joyful thanks” to God for their salvation.
Be grateful to God for your life and every ability. Learn to appreciate those little things and moments in your life. And let’s not forget to give thanks to those around us—our spouses, children, relatives, friends, co-workers, and many others who help us in different ways.
Allowing the worries and rush of life to overwhelm you is a pathway to ingratitude. You focus so much on your needs and wants that you fail to see the abundance that is present. And instead of thanking God for carrying you through that trouble, you usually allow that problem to steal your joy away leaving you to complain and be resentful.
Aside from personal issues getting in the way of gratitude, the world through various mediums has created an environment of fear. We are greeted with bad news and grim predictions that affect our emotions and general perspectives. We become anxious.
But that is not how God wants us to live according to Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.”–Philippians 4:6 (AMP)
We are commanded never to be anxious. Rather, to give thanks in prayer, while making known our requests to God who is our provider. To be anxious is to worry. To worry is to allow your mind to dwell on the difficulties and troubles which can affect your health. Today, choose to see the good in the bad.
You can do this by allowing the peace of God to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus -Philippians 4:7
In some countries including the USA, a day has been set aside purposely to give thanks known as “Thanksgiving Day“. It is observed once a year. For a Christian however, every day is a Thanksgiving Day, because we are to “give thanks always and for everything ” – Ephesians 5:20.
Recommended Videos: “FAITH SHOWS GRATITUDE” & “GIVE THANKS TO GOD” with Patrick E Quainoo on our YouTube Channel
Let me hear from you. Send all your comments or questions to mailto:pqgm29@gmail.com
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