When you think about the most heinous sins mankind has committed, what comes to your mind? Murder. Sexual immorality. Rebellion. Deception. The celebration of wickedness. Romans 1:22-32 contains a sobering list of sins like these. What would cause a person to commit such awful and ungodly actions?
Paul answers this question in Romans 1:21.
The downward spiral of the Gentiles can be seen here in something we may consider small: They were not thankful. The Gentiles were given sufficient evidence concerning the existence of God (For He left them without excuse – Romans 1:20), but they did not honor Him nor were they grateful to Him. Brothers and sisters, an ungrateful heart will lead us down a path that is deadly to the soul! Notice what happens when one chooses to travel down the road of ingratitude.
They abandoned God for idols (Romans 1:23), lusts (Romans 1:24), degrading passions (Romans 1:26), and ultimately developed a depraved mind (Romans 1:28). At the end of this road, death awaited them (Romans 1:32). Do you see the progression? When we refuse to honor and give thanks to the Father of lights (James 1:17), our hearts become darkened and our actions will reflect accordingly. Gratitude is that important.
How can we develop gratitude? As we consider scripture here are two practical things you can do:
- Read about what God has done for us that we may not forget Him (Deuteronomy 6:4-12).
- Give thanks to Him in prayer often (Philippians 1:16-18).
-Bryce Mayfield