At the beginning of time, G. Ratitude was commissioned by God to play an important part in the world through being a positive influencer of the quality of interpersonal relationships.
 
It saddens me to say that G. Ratitude is almost no-longer with us… ignored by many… remembered only by a few old-schoolers like me. The self-centred, moaners, and belly-achers of the world have blood on their hands. G. Ratitude, a.k.a. Gratitude, does not suit the modern mindset. His demise is the result of being ignored by those he came to serve. His twin brother, T. Hanks, has also been banished from being an influencer in human life.
 
Friends, it grieves my spirit to see the appalling attitude of this present generation where its fruit is insatiable greed, and ingratitude.
 
Worldly governments and parents are largely responsible for this dilemma by ingratiating those under their care with wanton promises and rulings that foster self-centredness… the heart of ingratitude.
 
Ingratitude first surfaced in human life when Adam and Eve rejected the Personhood of God and accepted the Tempter. Before this, Adam and Eve reflected meaningful gratitude for God and His gracious acts through their loyal obedience and devotion to Him.
 
The character trait of ingratitude is ‘natural’ to our sin-nature. As early as possible, loving parents work hard at influencing a change of this trait in the lives of their children by patiently modelling and coaching them to respond with a sincere “thank you” each time an act of kindness is shown to them.
 
The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘gratitude’ as… the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Scripture is loaded with case studies of incidents of gratitude and ingratitude.
 
Elisha and the woman from Shunem: How did the woman respond when the prophet Elisha resuscitated her young son back to life? Second Kings records, “She fell at his feet and bowed before him, overwhelmed with gratitude. Then she took her son in her arms and carried him downstairs” (4:37). When warranted, the characteristic of humility readily sparks expressions of sincere gratitude to God, and others.
 
Jesus heals ten of leprosy: Luke recorded, “As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, He reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As He entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him for what He had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?” (17:11-17). Only one, a Samaritan, was grateful… nine were not! Making matters worse, ‘the nine’ were Jews!
 
Twelve times in twenty-six verses the psalmist declared “Give thanks to the Lord” and twenty-six times “His faithful love endures forever.” A little excessive? Nooooo… such was the extent of the psalmist’s gratitude to God (Ps. 136).
 
The apostle Paul’s new life in Christ was a supreme testimony of gratitude to God. Wherever he went he motivated believers to ‘be’ grateful for what God had done for them. Writing to the churches in Galatia he said, “Where is that joyful and grateful spirit you felt then? (4:15).
 
Friends, sincere expressions of “thank you” add value to the lives of others, satisfies our spirit, and glorifies God. Let us do our best to resuscitate G. Ratitude. Where do we begin? In every circumstance, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Ps. 100:4; 1 Thess. 5:18)). The following is ample motivation…
 
Gratitude is a positive emotion to healthy living.
Gratitude is about focusing on what is good in our lives.  
Gratitude is pausing to express appreciation for our spouse and children, having a place to live, friends, food, clean water, even computer access.
Gratitude turns what little you have into abundance.
Gratitude is so much more than saying ‘thank you’, and
Gratitude changes your perspective of your world. 

Without a spirit of gratitude, God cannot be worshipped!

Bill