We must understand that we are who we are (saved) and what we are (blessed) by the grace of God 1Cor. 15:9-10; Eph. 2:8; Gal. 3:13-14. Mistaking engracement for achievement leads to disgrace. If it is grace, then gratitude to its source is crucial for our sustenance and secured future Mal. 2:1-3; Jer. 13:15-17.

Scriptural Examples of Victims of Ingratitude.

1. King Uzziah.

He enjoyed the marvelous help of God that made him mighty but failed to acknowledge it 2Chr. 26:5-15,16-20. He ended up losing the throne as a leper 2Chr. 26:21.

2. King Nebuchadnezzar.

He did not acknowledge God’s hand in his achievements Dan. 4:28-30. He lost the kingdom and suffered humiliation Dan. 4:31-33.

3. King Herod.

The people ascribed glory to him rather than to God Acts 12:21-23. He did not refute it and faced divine judgment, losing the throne Acts 12:23-24.

Why Must We Give Thanks?

1. All that we Have is Given by God.

Our efforts alone do not guarantee success 1Sam. 2:9; Zch. 4:1-6; Rms. 9:16. It is God’s hand that makes our lives count Psa. 127:1-2; 1Cor. 3:6; 4:7; 2Cor. 4:7.

2. Gratitude defined our Altitude.

Gratefulness for the present entitles us to the next level ordained for us Psa. 67:5-7; Hab. 3:17-19.

3. To Avoid Being Resisted by God.

God resists the ungrateful in their advancement 1Pet. 5:5-6; Jms. 4:6-7; Psa. 28:5. While we can cast out the devil in Jesus name, we cannot resist God’s hand Mk. 16:17; 1Cor. 15:27-28.

Why Are We Giving Thanks to God Today as a Commission?

1. For the Indescribable Gifts.

These have spoken louder in our midst over the years Jms. 1:17; Pro. 16:18.

For instance:

• We have never had a famine of the word Amos 8:7; Psa. 68:11.
• We have experienced confirmation of God’s word in signs and wonders 16:20.
• We have not lacked financial resources 22:35.
• We have been favored across the nations 5:12; 112:13-14.
• We have enjoyed peace beyond human understanding 4:7.

2. For the continuous advancement.

We continue to experience growth and expansion without stress Acts 2:47; Psa. 127:1-2. No one goes forward without engaging the mystery of thanksgiving and praise Psa. 67:5-7; Hab. 3:17-19.

Conclusion.

The good news is that God will do for us that He has done for this commission if we continue in the same practices. One core secret of this commission is the attitude of gratitude!

Salvation Prayer.

To anyone reading this who desires to give their life to Christ, pray this prayer out loud with me from your heart:

“Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to you today. Forgive me my sins; wash me with your blood. I believe you died for me; on the third day you rose again that I may be justified. Right now, I believe that my sins are forgiven; I’m justified by your blood; I’m born-again; I’m saved; I’m a child of God; I’m free from the power of sin to serve the living God. Thank you, Jesus, for receiving me; thank you Jesus for restoring me; thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen!”

Prayer.

1. Father, I make the choice for the life of thanksgiving and praise, empower me by the Holy Spirit 30:19.