Have you  seen the singer who performs the delightful song “Happy” being interviewed? Did you notice that he deflected praise away from himself (although he is obviously talented) and freely gave credit to those who taught him how to make music. His attitude is so surprising that it is amazing and refreshing.

    Is having a grateful heart important? I think it is. In fact, ingratitude is one of the greatest sins against Almighty God. It is manifested in a heart that is devoid of thanks, that takes gifts for granted, and that always stays self-centered.

    Thanklessness shows a lack of appreciation for divine grace. Grace means “unmerited favor” or “undeserved blessings.” The key thing about grace – as it is used in the Bible – is that it always refers to something freely bestowed as a gift.         Grace can never be earned. If it can be earned, then it is no longer grace, but works. Just settle it: you can not ever be good enough to deserve God’s mercy. All you can do is acknowledge that what He says is true and believe it. Your faith opens the door to God’s grace.

    God is not stingy. He shares and He gives. The least we can do is give glory back to God for His many blessings. Failure to give thanks for freely bestowed blessings invites the judgment of God upon a person, a people, or a nation. Allow me to quote a Bible verse from Romans, chapter one, verse twenty-one: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations and their foolish heart was darkened.” (NAS version).

    Notice that God’s diagnosis of a society’s corrupt heart highlights these two things: 1) failure to honor Him as God; and  2) failure to give thanks to God. The end result is that those who think they are wise instead become like fools in their thinking.

    When we consider things to be thankful for, the greatest and simplest is for life itself. You were born, not aborted! The next thing I appreciate, having travelled and lived abroad as a missionary, is that I was born in the USA. It is a privilege to be an American! Then I am extremely grateful for the wife God chose for me. He is an excellent matchmaker! I also think of the fact that I gained a wonderful free education, and earned a college degree. What a blessing- to be able to learn! All of these are natural reasons to be grateful to God. All of these blessings came from the generous hand of my heavenly Father, who gives lavishly and freely to whoever asks.

    Of course, the greatest gift of all is the gift of God’s Son, our Savior, the Lord Jesus. He was the best that heaven had to offer, a manifestation of never-ending love being extended to mankind. This verse in 1 John 5:11-12 says it all: “And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.” (NAS)

    Decide to be grateful. Humble yourself by admitting you had help along the way. Begin to credit God with your success. Express gratitude, even to your waitress. Pharrell Williams said that when he started being thankful, his life turned around.

    Ron Wood is a pastor and writer who formerly resided in Meridian. Contact him at wood.stone.ron@gmail.com.