The Power of Gratitude: Overcoming Violence, Ugliness, and Insubordination in the

In the last days, according to the Bible, there will come times of difficulty. People will be consumed by their own desires and the pursuit of wealth. They will be filled with pride, arrogance, and a lack of respect for others. They will be disobedient to their parents and ungrateful for the blessings they have received.

It is interesting to note that ingratitude goes hand in hand with these negative traits. In another passage, the apostle Paul urges believers to avoid filthiness, foolish talk, and crude joking, and instead, to cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving. This suggests that gratitude is the opposite of ugliness and violence.

Why is this the case? Gratitude is a humble feeling, not a proud one. It is a recognition of the goodness and generosity of others, rather than a focus on oneself. A grateful heart is glad-hearted, not filled with anger or bitterness. In fact, bitter thankfulness is an oxymoron.

The key to unlocking a heart of thankfulness and overcoming bitterness, ugliness, disrespect, and violence lies in a strong belief in God. When we understand that we are deeply indebted to God for all that we have and hope to have, gratitude naturally flows from our hearts. Without this understanding, the spring of gratitude runs dry.

So, it can be concluded that the rise of violence, sacrilege, ugliness, and insubordination in the last days is ultimately a result of a failure to feel gratitude towards God. When the high spring of gratitude to God fails at the top of the mountain, all the pools of thankfulness begin to dry up further down the mountain. When gratitude is absent, the self becomes the ultimate authority, condoning corruption for its own pleasure.

In light of this, it is crucial that we pray for a great awakening of humble gratitude. We need a revival of thankfulness that stems from a deep understanding of our dependence on God. Only then can we overcome the negative traits that plague our society and live in a way that honors God.

The Bible is filled with references to the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving. Psalm 100:4 urges us to enter God's gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Colossians 3:17 reminds us to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs us to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us.

In the book of Luke, Jesus tells a powerful story that highlights the importance of gratitude. Ten lepers came to Jesus, asking for healing. He told them to go and show themselves to the priests, and as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. However, only one of them, a Samaritan, returned to Jesus to express his gratitude. Jesus asked, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:17-18). Jesus emphasized the importance of gratitude and commended the Samaritan for his faith.

In the face of difficulty and ingratitude, we as believers have the opportunity to be a light in the darkness. We can choose to cultivate a heart of thankfulness and express it through our words and actions. When we are thankful, we acknowledge God's goodness and faithfulness. We recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). We understand that we are not entitled to anything, but that everything we have is a gift from God.

Gratitude also has a transformative effect on our lives. When we are grateful, we experience a shift in perspective. We focus less on what we don't have and more on what we do have. We become content with God's provision and find joy in the simple blessings of life. Gratitude also fosters humility, as we recognize that we are not self-sufficient but dependent on God for everything.

So, how can we cultivate a heart of gratitude in a world filled with negativity and ingratitude? Here are a few practical suggestions:

1. Begin each day with thanksgiving: Before you start your day, take a moment to thank God for the blessings in your life. This simple act can set the tone for the rest of the day and help you maintain a grateful attitude.

2. Keep a gratitude journal: Take time each day to write down three things you are thankful for. This can be as simple as a beautiful sunrise or a kind word from a friend. By focusing on the positive, you train your mind to see the good in every situation.

3. Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and fully appreciate the blessings around you. Slow down and savor the taste of food, the warmth of the sun, or the laughter of a loved one. By being mindful, you can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures of life.

4. Serve others: One of the best ways to cultivate gratitude is by serving others. When we reach out to those in need, we gain a greater appreciation for our own blessings. Serving others also helps us shift our focus from ourselves to the needs of others.

5. Give thanks in prayer: Take time each day to thank God for his goodness and provision. Thank him for his love, grace, and mercy. Express your gratitude for specific blessings in your life. Prayer is a powerful tool for cultivating a heart of gratitude.

As we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, we will not only experience personal transformation but also impact those around us. Our gratefulness will shine as a beacon of light in a dark and ungrateful world. So, let us pray for a great awakening of humble gratitude and commit to living a life that honors and glorifies God through our thankfulness.