Is It Difficult To Be Thankful?

Reflecting on my own past, I think there were times when it was difficult to be thankful.

When comparing myself to others: I wanted to possess things my friends had; to make as much money as I perceived they did; to have the influence, position, opportunities, health, good looks as I perceived they had. My problem: lack of contentment. When a person lacks contentment, it is difficult to be thankful.

Yet, the Apostle Paul wrote that he had

• experienced prosperity and humble means,
• felt hunger and felt fullness,
• lived in abundance and suffered need.

He did not say that he learned how to be content, but that he learned to be content. Contentment is a choice and his contentment was based on faith:

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

 —Philippians 4:13

Difficult Circumstances: People sometimes quip, “Well, things could be worse.” While that is probably true in many (most?) cases, it is rarely helpful when difficulties arise. When people go through difficulties, there is generally some kind of pain or discomfort. It might be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Whatever the specific difficulty might be, it hurts. When a person is hurting, it is difficult to be thankful, even if it could be worse. Yet, Paul encouraged:

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 

—2 Corinthians 4:17

Paul went on to say that we do not focus on the things that are seen, our difficulties, but things which are not seen, our hope of eternal life.

Selfishness: Thankfulness is an attitude expressing gladness and appreciation for someone, something or one’s circumstances. In general, people are thankful when they receive something they value in some way. They are thankful when things go their way. In contrast, selfishness is the attitude of fixating on one’s self. Selfishness often turns into disappointment or anger when things do not work out to a person’s satisfaction. When a person is filled with self love, it is difficult to be thankful.

Yet, Paul remembered the words of Jesus:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 

—Acts 20:35

By his own example Jesus showed that:

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…. 

—Mark 10:45

Apathy: Some people find it difficult to give thanks because they simply are not glad or appreciative. They just don’t care. Apathy is a close cousin to selfishness. Apathy often appears when there is little energy left for anger.

Apathy is not uncommon in the life of a person who believes that no one cares for him/her. Where apathy reigns, thankfulness is difficult.

The Psalmist believed that no one cared for him (Psalm 142). Yet, he found comfort in God. The Apostle Peter offered encouragement to the one who is apathetic through a call to humility…

Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 

—1 Peter 5:7

When you focus on yourself, it can be difficult to be thankful. But when you focus on God and your eyes are set on the promised hope of eternal life, how can you not be thankful!?

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Mark Stinnett

November 21, 2021

Pardon me...What Is The Most Important Rule of Etiquette?

Mom taught my older sister and me how to set the table: Fork on the right atop the napkin, spoon and knife to the left with the knife closest to the plate (I think). All that I remember about the drinking glass: Keep it away from the table’s edge! We were not really that formal, but as kids we were taught good table manners so that I was able to feel confident the few times I enjoyed ‘finer’ dining. (Thank you, mom ; )

Etiquette. Even the word seems to have its nose stuck up in the air. Etiquette, in simpler terms, means, good manners. “Mind your manners,” mom reminded us if we were a guest at a friend’s house.

Yes, manners included rules for setting the dinner table, how to use your napkin, handle your utensils, and even how to discretely muffle an upcoming belch. Yet perhaps more important was the proper way to treat people.

Minding one’s manners included, “Please” and “Thank you.” “Excuse me,” for a variety of situations, avoiding interrupting someone while speaking, and suppressing laughter when inappropriate (something I failed at miserably).

It is often comical to hear a small child parrot what she has learned. After a *burp* slips out, dad gently prods, “What do you say?” With a joyful smile the little one bounces in her highchair with a confident, “Thank you!”

The instruction is not lost. Sooner or later the toddler learns. Yet, the goal is not to parrot instruction but to develop a thankful heart.

Of all the rules of etiquette and all the manners taught, I have learned that God has a special interest in thankfulness.

Are you a thankful person?
Did you know that God expects thankfulness?

In the Law of Moses there was a specific sacrifice called the peace offering. Its purpose was to offer thanks to God with the expected outcome of peace between the worshiper and God. (Leviticus 7) For the Christian a peace offering is made through prayer:

Through Him [Jesus] then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
—Hebrews 13:15 (NASB95)

It is sobering to learn that God’s hot anger is set against those who are unrighteous, who do not give Him thanks. Those who are ungrateful, have foolishly ignored God. (See Romans 1:21.)

Even when in a time of need, we are encouraged to give thanks to God.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 
—Philippians 4:6

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
—Colossians 3:17

There must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 
—Ephesians 5:4

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. 
—Colossians 4:2

The emphasis you place on etiquette is up to you. Just remember, Christians have been assured of eternal life through Christ Jesus. So...

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
—2 Corinthians 9:15

Mark Stinnett