12th September 2021
Text: 2 Timothy 3:1-6
Minister: Pastor Seyi Osanyinbi
Paul admonished Timothy on things he would begin to see in the end times; things that are now presently being experienced. The perilous times which Paul spoke about has come and some of the happenings attributed to that time are wickedness, men being lovers of themselves leading to selfishness and covetousness, men not being satisfied with what they have and so being ungrateful or unthankful.
Acts of ingratitude majorly centre on the mindset of being entitled. Many people forget that whatever they have received was given not that they, for any reason, are worth having them. Even the jobs we have are all given. Therefore, for all that we have been given by God to enjoy, we must be grateful.
Psalms 116:17
Being grateful is a spiritual sacrifice. Showing gratitude will always position us to receive constant help. A man to whom you show appreciation is always willing to offer help over and over again. As read in 2 Thessalonians 2:13, it is our duty as Christians to show gratitude always. Gratitude is a commitment and it is a demand placed on us.
Being called into salvation is something we must always be thankful for because we have been chosen by God for salvation right from the beginning of creation. Becoming a believer in Christ is not by normal human reasoning. Hence, we must learn to appreciate God for that too.
One of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus (a Samaritan) returned to thank Him (Luke 17:2-19). He, supposedly, ought not to know the importance of gratitude, yet, he was the only one who came to Jesus to show his appreciation. Due to this act of his, he was not just healed, he was made whole. When you learn to give God thanks, you will be made whole.
Nabal was a foolish man despite being from the lineage of Caleb- a man known to be thoughtful and wise. His foolishness displayed in his ingratitude to David made him lose what he had laboured for (1 Samuel 25:3). We must imbibe the act of showing gratitude not only to God but to men too. No act of kindness is little as to be seen as insignificant.
Learn to resent every entitlement mentality. Do not feel anyone owes you anything because they truly do not. In situations where you are not pleased, learn to be grateful before complaining. This present generation is gradually degrading to a level where being ungrateful becomes normal. We must be intentional about being grateful and dare to be different.