Espresso Yourself - Appreciation
Almost twenty centuries ago God inspired the Apostle Paul to predict today’s global attitude: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come from men who will be lovers of themselves, unthankful, unholy" (2 Timothy 3:1-2)
by Ed Young
Many people today are self-centered, discontent, and ungrateful. But in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul counters the general attitude of the world with what the prevailing attitude of the believer in Christ should be: ...in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Christians, more than anyone else should be thankful people. In a world of ingratitude, we should be thankful to God in times that are painful as well as in times that are pleasant, in times of war and peace, in times of famine and plenty, in times of poverty and prosperity.
An attitude of gratitude is an earmark of spiritual maturity. Those who have been gripped by grace spend time daily thanking God in private as well as regularly thanking God and others in the public domain.
Some people find it difficult to show appreciation to God and the people around them. They have a hard time saying, "I enjoyed that" or "I like that" or "Thanks for doing that." If you are one of those people, maybe its time to do an inventory of your spirit and to ask the Lord to develop an attitude of gratitude in you. With the help of the Holy Spirit, your life can be transformed from the inside out by a two-word phrase that packs a powerful caffeinated punch: "Thank You."
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