One of the students in the bible class I teach on Sunday said that they love this time of year because people smile more. They are happier and have a spirit of thankfulnesss and good cheer. As this statement settled in my mind, I realized she was right! The holiday season almost out of obligation brings out cheerful hearts and smiles and good will. Then it occurred to me that this was a bulletin opportunity. What occurred to me is that as Christians, we should have a spirit of gratitude always. As we celebrated Thanksgiving Day this week, I hope to remind us that we indeed have much to be thankful for and must not show a spirit of ingratitude as soon as this cheerful season passes.

George MacDonald who was a minister and writer in the 1800's once wrote: "The careless soul receives the Father's gifts as if it were a way that things had of dropping into his hand.. .yet he is ever complaining, as if someone were accountable for the problems which meet him at every turn. For good that comes to him, he gives no thanks. At the disappointments that befall him he grumbles there must be someone to blame." Surely, this illustration shows the hypocrisy of many individuals. Many people indeed feel that the goodness of this life is due them. As a matter of fact our own Constitution declares that all mankind has the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. This of course, is good when dealing with the way humans deal with other humans, but when it comes to God, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are gifts from His holy grace. We are not owed anything from God. All good gifts are from our heavenly Father. ( James 1:17)

Unfortunately, many it seems have developed the attitude of a spoiled child, believing that all good gifts are due him, and any disappointments are the fault of others. What a horrible show of ingratitude. Luke records an event that shows this kind of spirit. We read in Luke 17:12-19, "as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men that were lepers, which stood a far off: and they lifted up their voices and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." And when He saw them, He said unto them, "Go show yourselves unto the priests." And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. And fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks; and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus, answering said, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger." And He said unto him, "Arise, go thy way, thy faith has made thee whole."

Can you imagine the horrific pain these men felt and dealt with before Jesus came along? Can you imagine the comfort that came through God's grace? Yet only one returned back to give glory to God. This sad story in Luke teaches us a sobering and sad truth about us as humans. This very often is our behavior despite the much that God has done for us. Are we being grateful to God? A spirit of ingratitude is not only a matter of rudeness or thoughtlessness, but there's also a greater danger attached with this spirit. Paul describes this danger in Romans 1:21, "When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."

We must not forget about the goodness that we receive from our loving Father. We are not owed anything, but we. receive so much. We need to always keep this in or minds. This spirit of ingratitude can be fixed by not just saying thank you while you pray, but by changing the way you think. Paul says, "and be ye thankful," (Col 3:15) This is not just to say thanks, but to actually be thankful and to live it. The old hymn says, "Count your blessings, name them one by one." Perhaps we could start with this and build a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness!!

Eric