Are you a thanks-giver or a complaint-giver?

Church Family:
Have you ever heard the phrase, "complainers are going to complain?" Sometimes we have a tendency to find fault or express dissatisfaction regardless of any circumstance. Have you ever found yourself in the complaining rut? Complaining is a heart issue that results when we live our lives as if we are the center of this universe. We then focus on how we feel and what we want. Then when we do not get our way we complain. Complaining comes from a heart that is surprised when the universe does not fulfill our needs, thoughts, and demands. The decision to complain or give thanks is rooted in the way you think about yourself. How can we escape the rut of complaining and enjoy a life of thanksgiving?

As Nehemiah gathers the people of God together in Nehemiah 12:27, they celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. They celebrated with great joy (12:43). Why? Why, after 141 years of hardships, exile, suffering and attacks from others were they joyful and thankful? They escaped the rut of complaining because they saw their own selfish sin and the depth of the riches of God's mercy that was poured upon them. They took their eyes off of themselves and looked to God. They were reminded that even while they were still walking in sin, God brought them out of Babylon. God had renewed His covenant with them. God reminded them of His faithfulness to His promise that a Savior would come from them. God restored their hope. God opened their eyes to the beauty and majesty of the undeserved blessings that He poured upon them, and they sang a new song of joy and thanksgiving.

How do you escape the complaining rut and enjoy a life of thanksgiving? Cultivate a life of gratitude by embracing two truths. First, embrace the truth that as a sinner you deserve nothing from God but His wrath and yet He responds to you in Jesus Christ with mercy, kindness, love and grace (Rom. 5:6-8). Second, embrace the truth that every single blessing from God is an undeserved gift to you (Job 12:10; Acts 17:25). When you develop a life that embraces these two truths your heart will start to fill with thanksgiving, humility, service and giving no matter what situation you find yourself. Even life's difficulties will be seen as blessings that lead to growth and resilience. Make a habit to keep an up-to-date thankful list to give God in response to His kindness, generosity, care and presence in your life. Let the blessings and gifts from your Heavenly Father inspire you to live generously by sharing His blessings with others. Remember, God calls us as Christians to always be a people who are quick to give thanks every day in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16-18; Col. 3:17; Ps. 100:4). Giving thanks is indeed a significant aspect of Christian life and practice. It is not only encouraged but is a command rooted in Scripture.

See you Sunday, thankful for you: Steve