"Paul, on Gratitude" 

The Apostle Paul saw the attitude of gratitude as being a necessary, integral part of being Christian.

I Thessalonians 5.18 "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Ephesians 5.20 "Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

This is a 'as-we-live-and-breathe' command from Paul. This is not an option. In fact, this is an integral part of the theme of this fifth chapter of Ephesians, beginning with: "Be imitators of God..." vs 1, and "...understand what the Lord's will is." vs 17

I am concerned that we (Christians generically and corporately) are becoming a less than positive people creating a less than positive impression upon the world around us. I see indications that we are buying into the attitude of entitlement that has permeated the world around us. We don't feel grateful if we feel entitled.

The message of hope that we are to bring to our settings and circumstances must be a positive message couched in positive terms from relaxed and and appreciative people - people with an attitude of gratitude. We are to be thankful for everything, as opportunities - whether we view something positively or negatively largely depends upon our perspective of punishment or opportunity for growth and advancement.

The greatest scripture, in my opinion, giving us an example of this is 2 Samuel chapter 7. Here David has shared his dream of building a magnificent edifice to house the Ark of the Covenant. God sends the prophet Nathan to tell David, 'NO!' David's response begins in the 18th verse, "Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: 'Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?' " 

Is it any wonder that God considered David a man after His own heart? Here was a man who could accept the Divine 'NO' with grace and gratitude for all that God had...and would do for him and his family.

O dear God, forgive me for my ungrateful attitude and lack of faith. This, too, has come to me from your hand. As John Calvin has been quoted as saying, "Thou bruisest me, O God. But if it be Thou doing it, it is well."