Thursday, July 29, 2010

INGRATITUDE, NO! GRATITUDE

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” (Pro 17:22)

History has shown that men of gratitude or men that show gratitude are men of good will. The bible also shows that men of gratitude always find favour with God and men. Gratitude is an act of appreciation to someone for what he/ she has done, what he/she stands for, what he/she is, the value or worth placed on which is well appreciated.

Gratitude is also shown to one who has done you good or done good to someone close to you. Also to someone who has shown you kindness or someone you would wish to show kindness but couldn’t. Gratitude is rejoicing with those who rejoice and it comes out of the heart of excitement. Men of gratitude are not selfish.

“Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house. And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age. And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.” (1Sam. 2:29-34)

The compact Oxford English dictionary defines gratitude as thankfulness; appreciation of kindness. Thanksgiving brings promotion to a man’s life; it brings lifting and also brings gratitude. The scripture above says ‘for them that honour me I will honour,’

Unfortunately, we do not know how to show gratitude to God because we consider the numerous things we have not achieved either they are in our will or not, kill us or not and the devil who you have made your friend is very good at showing you the things God has not done, but will not show you His mercies and benefits but rather makes you accuse God.

The compact Oxford English dictionary defines ingratitude as a discreditable lack of gratitude. Many do not appreciate little mercies like comrade Deji Odunlami always say ‘thank God for his little mercies’ they do not appreciate these little kindness. So no matter what favour done to them they expect the source of the kindness could and should do more and as a result are not satisfied with what was done to them and that produces the spirit of ingratitude which closes door of favour. Don’t forget it was seven (7) loafs and little fish Jesus gave thanks on that multiplied and also produced left-over after feeding the multitude.

“And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brakes them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full. And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children. And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.” (Mat 15:36-39)

Learn to give thanks it brings multiplication, be appreciative. An ingrate seems to have an imaginary level of favour somebody has and compares what was given to him/her to the level of favour the person has shown him/her. This act on its own is evil and devilish; be appreciative of every little kindness and do not forget such little kindness are done to many others so, appreciate it and seek also to do same for people. Somebody said ‘what goes round comes round’. Sometimes an ingrate compares what was done to him to what was done to others, this is also evil.

Dear child of God, honour is comely, as we come to the end of a year and the beginning of another; gratitude to all should be our watch word and especially to God who has saved you and I from evil and destruction we didn’t see and also has greater promises for our lives. A song writer says “Count your blessings and name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done”. Don’t compare yourself with another; thank God for yourself and what you will become. Whatever has happened to you even if it seems evil it is for your good; you may not fully understand but it’s for your good.

In the year 2005, a sister was to get married, all was set and on the day of the traditional marriage, the husband to be could not be found, the cloud of water began to form on the sister’s face until it dawned on all that the bridegroom will not come, she brought shame and embarrassment to the whole family. For a season she could not walk on the streets, she couldn’t explain; before that day all was well, it was like a dream to her but it is real. She has to carry her supposed cross and live on, thanking God who knows better. Three months later the unexpected news came, her husband to be that disappointed her died. Different thoughts began to run across her mind. Is it that God prevented the marriage? If they had gotten married as planned won’t people say she killed her husband and that a curse is on her? Many things would have been said against her.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Pro 14:12)

There are many things we think we desperately need but God knows the end. He knows what tomorrow may bring and since He knows the end, nothing can stop the package from coming. In this we cry that He has not answered unknown to us that it is for our good. ‘In all things give thanks’

“Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;” (Eph 1:16)

Infact, in everything that happens the first thing to do is to give thanks

“For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (1Tim. 2:2)


We must learn the act of appreciation; it is not in man’s nature. Man naturally is evil and is never satisfied, this has not done man good but has produce frustration, hypertension and evil deeds. St. Francis De Sales said ‘you learn to speak by speaking, to study by studying, to run by running, to work by working, in just the same way, you learn to love by loving” and if I may add you learn gratitude by showing gratitude. Clement Stone said, “When thinking won’t cure fear, action will”. Don’t wait; begin to appreciate those that have added value to your life, spiritually and physically. Jacob Bohrne said, “Open your eyes and the whole world is full of God”; celebrate God in people’s life and give God praise.

“Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;” (1Chro. 16:8-15)


Beloved, with what will you thank God? Do you belong to the ever ungrateful lot, ever unsatisfied, ever complaining not remembering His marvelous works – look back at the things He has done. I pray you don’t do what is normal in your thanksgiving this year as we prepare for our jubilee and seven year of harvest, I pray you will honour God indeed.

“A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts.” (Mal 1:6-9)

Many times, we take God’s blessings, protection and provision for granted. Your been alive is by His grace, you can’t boast about it. I read the interview of the couple that lost their three children in the last Sosoliso plane crash in the Vanguard of Nov. 25th 2006

Vanguard: Kindly share some of the lessons the incident taught your family?
Ans: (Dr. Andy & Mrs. Ify Ilabor): Before now, I used to take some things for granted. That you wake up in the morning and after your days activity you go to bed. But not anymore! What I mean is that for each day you live on earth, you should give glory to God. It is a bonus from God and nothing more. It has nothing to do with your good works or whatever…
They once asked Jesus ‘why is he blind, is it because of his sin, or his mother or father’s sin? Jesus said, no but that God will be glorified. Church, be wise and give Him thanks for your good and that of your children. As you prepare for thanksgiving we shall pray.

“Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” (1Ch 29:10-13)

Apostle Lawrence Achudume
The General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church Int'l
With branches spread across the globe
Can be reached on victory2life@yahoo.com
This message can be reproduced but must be duely credited.

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