“Show me a person who is thankful and I’ll show you a person who is faithful.” I heard this sentiment offered by a speaker at a lectureship several years ago, and it really struck home. Americans on the whole are the most materially blessed people in the world. This can certainly be a good thing for God’s people if we use the things God has provided in a responsible, godly way (cf. Luke 16:1-13). However, far too often our material blessings become a stumbling block. Have you ever wondered why so many Christians struggle to be faithful to God? Could the answer be as simple as ingratitude?
Scripture often connects ingratitude with unfaithfulness. Consider 2 Timothy 3:1-9. Paul said the wicked “resist the truth” and have “corrupt minds,” and they are also “unthankful.” Additionally, Romans 1:21 describes the intentionally godless as those who know God exists but choose not to glorify Him or thank Him. Psalm 106 also recalls the sin of Israel by noting, “they did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, but rebelled by the sea–the Red Sea” (Ps. 106:7). The sum of the bible’s teaching on ingratitude suggests that a refusal to acknowledge and thank God for everything He has done and continues to do constitutes rebellion.
In contrast, scripture presents thanksgiving as an action of faithfulness. Consider the inverse of each example in the previous paragraph. If the wicked resist the truth with corrupt minds and refuse to give thanks, then the righteous embrace the truth with pure minds and constantly express thanksgiving. Contrary to those described in Romans 1:21, those who love the Lord choose to glorify Him and thank Him for everything He provides. Unlike Israel of old, faithful followers of the Lord are mindful of Him and thank Him. God’s will is that we give thanks in everything (1 Thess. 5:18)! But scripture also teaches that those who love Him will have no problem expressing gratitude, because it naturally springs from a faithful heart.
How is faithfulness measured? In truth there are a number of identifiers the bible describes, but how often do we consider an attitude of thanksgiving as an indicator of our faithfulness?