Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . . Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. – 1 Timothy 6:11-12,17
Cultivating a godly perspective of our spiritual state and our physical circumstances doesn’t happen naturally. We tend to overlook God’s grace and lovingkindness toward us, and we often complain about our losses. Resisting these tendencies takes a great deal of energy and persistence. We need to develop a habit of looking for God’s graciousness at all times.
An attitude of thanksgiving should dominate the life of the believer. Ingratitude is the mark of the devil. Satan whispers in our ears about what God has taken away from us. God wants us to look at what He has freely given to us. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). We have so much to be thankful for.
When the nation of Israel moved out of Egypt en masse into the wilderness of Sinai, they quickly began complaining about the conditions, the lack of water and meat, and their vulnerability to the Egyptians. God had set them free from slavery, but already they had forgotten. God’s response shows that He didn’t want to hear complaining.
Likewise, when we set our eyes on our misfortunes, we soon forget to express gratitude.
Cultivate a heart of gratitude, and you will be communicating God’s love language to Him.
