Humility: True Greatness (pt. 3)

Pastor Mahaney gives us another practical principle towards growing in humility.
He suggests (#3), We should begin our day expressing gratitude to God. Every day should be Thanksgiving (for the Believer) Are you known as a grateful person? Would thankfulness characterize your life? Don’t take your own word for it, ask your wife and your children? Singles, ask your roommates and your co-workers? Does gratitude characterize my Christian life? Michael Ramsey wrote, “Thankfulness, is a soil in which pride does not easily grow.” Do you see God in everything you receive? Are you a thankful observer of the countless indications of His provision, His presence, His kindness, and His grace? Do you have an attitude of gratitude? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 commands us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. "

If we’re being honest we’ll probably admit we struggle (at times) in expressing gratitude to God. We are more like the Israelites than we care to admit! Why do you suppose this is? Probably because we think we DESERVE so many things. Observe for a moment Romans 1:21-22, "For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or GIVE THANKS; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools…." Not giving thanks to God is characteristic of the unregenerate gentile. Remind yourself that an ungrateful person is a proud person. By way of application most of us should get on our knees and confess our sins to our Father.

By way of reminder then, we’ve observed thus far that: “We should daily (#1) Reflect on the Wonder of the Cross (a worshiping people); As well as (#2) Acknowledge each day our need for God (a desperate people); and (#3) We should begin each day expressing gratitude to God. (grateful people).”

If your convicted by these posts then be sure to read Pastor CJ's great book.