Tuesday 15 October 2013

Thankfulness -- A Lost Virtue?


One of the descriptors Paul uses to characterize the generations that would occupy the earth in “the last days” – among other negative traits – is “ungrateful.” To be ungrateful is to fail to acknowledge that someone has put himself or herself out so that you might benefit in some way. To be ungrateful is to arrogantly assume that you are better than the other person. It seems like the emerging generation has a more acute sense of entitlement than any preceding generation. Products of an educational system that emphasizes individual rights and excuses sloth for fear of inducing a negative self-image, today’s young people have been given the impression that they individually are the centre of the universe.

As we’ve just walked through the Thanksgiving Day celebrations, we have been faithful, here at PCA, to remind our students of the importance of having an attitude of thankfulness for the many benefits they enjoy. We’ve pointed out that everything of value in life comes from a God who delights to give good gifts to His children. So, thanksgiving ought to be the primary expression of our hearts as we approach Him.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Psalm 100:4)

“. . . but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

After all, He spared nothing to provide for our salvation!

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