A Simple Question

It is a simple question with huge ramifications for our lives.

The end of a chapter of a study[i] I am doing on the attributes of God asks, “Without a grateful heart, how can you honor God?”

The answer is as simple the question. You cannot honor God without being thankful.

The solution to the problem is difficult if it requires a change in thinking and a change of heart. But, it is a change any Christian can make with the help of the “Helper” Christ has sent to live in us.

A lack of thankfulness seems to reflect a misunderstanding of God and who He is and how He works  – both in us and in the world.

Some are ungrateful because they bought the lie that with Christianity comes prosperity in regard to worldly wealth. The Bible never makes such promises. In fact, if Jesus had “nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20), should we not be grateful for any form of roof over ours?

I was struck this past weekend as my husband and I participated in the Future of Christendom Conference in Lancaster, Pa. The topic was “Advancing the Kingdom Through Enterprise.”  Some of the speakers have known persecution and had their integrity and their businesses attacked by the media and others who hate Christ and do not want to see His kingdom advanced.

Some have also been attacked, personally and professionally, from inside the church. Some even by those they have considered friends.

The fascinating thing is that they didn’t talk about it unless asked. I learned these things from people in the crowd who knew. These men have not allowed the naysayers of the world to interfere with their trust in the Ruler of the universe. They are so grateful to God for His work in their lives that they continue to advance the Kingdom of God and encourage others to do the same.

Thankfulness was evident in their talks, giving God the glory for the progress without lamenting the obstacles they have faced along the way. They certainly warned those they taught that obstacles are a part of building the kingdom of God but that faith in God is the first step in overcoming them (1 John 5:4).

The simple answer to the simple question of “Can we honor God without a grateful heart?” is No!

The apparent solution to the lack of gratitude would appear to be faith.

• Faith that God is sovereign and with us through every trial (even when they are the attacks of men).
• Faith that God will bless our obedience to His Word.
• Faith that He will supply all we need to respond to whatever call He places on our lives.
• Faith that He is greater than any other principality or power, or rulers of darkness and wickedness.
• And, faith that He will work all things together for our good and His glory.

Two more simple questions: What do you have to be thankful for today? Does your answer (or mine) honor God?

What honors God blesses us.

[i] Behold Your God: The Weight of His Majesty, John Snyder, Media Gratiae, New Albany Mississippi