“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
There is an epidemic of un-thankfulness in the world we live in today…
It is an unsatisfied hunger for material things that only leads to a never-ending state of disappointment. Not just most of the time, but EVERY time!
The pursuit of self fulfilment through the things that rust and moth doeth corrupt and where thieves break in and steal has become the drug of choice for many.
And the bigger problem is, it has become an addiction with a cycle the seems to be almost impossible to break.
All day every day we are marketed to…being told that what we have is not sufficient. Because what they told us a few months ago was the answer, all of a sudden it is not anymore.
We are blinded by the false hope of peace in things that will only let us down in a very short time.
This is all part of the last days.
Look what Paul says to Timothy….
“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.” 2 Timothy 3:1-2 NLT
Now, we could stop there, but I think it is important to read a few more verses to see what other things are lumped in with being ungrateful in the last days.
“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!” 2 Timothy 3:3-5 NLT
Paul is warning Timothy that these are people you need to separate yourselves from. Why does he say that? Because their influence can be the demise of your spiritual life.
And knowing the time, we know that the spiritual clock is going to run out, we must make sure we are ready.
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:11-14
We MUST run from every thought of un-thankfulness and cling to every thought of gratitude.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
– Anonymous.
Guzik writes, “We don’t give thanks for everything, but in everything.
In the verse at the top of this post, we read where Paul is addressing the Thessalonians on the importance of giving thanks in everything.
He told them that this was the WILL OF GOD for them.
I want to back up for you to see a theme on not being thankful in the letters that Paul is writing to the churches about the last days.
“Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.
When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NLT
Then Paul, a few verses down, gives some final advice to them in these last days. Look at the words the surround being thankful.
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 NLT
Part of being ready for the second coming of Christ is being grateful.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” I Timothy 6:6-8
The Message version puts it this way, “A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough.” I Timothy 6:6-8 MSG
Nicky Gumbel says, “What promises security leads to perpetual insecurity. Ultimately, contentment only comes from putting your hope in God.”
What are you grateful for today?
