Developing An Attitude Of Gratitude
DEVELPING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
Philippians 2:1-4
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:5 (NASB95).
Intro: Pete Rose, one-time star of the Cincinnati Reds, holds the record for the most hits by a player: 4,256. He is better remembered though by his style of play. On every single pitch Rose gave 110 percent, no matter whether his team was winning or losing by ten runs, or whether it was the World Series or preseason. Pete Rose's nick-name was Charlie Hustle.
Rose's son, Pete Rose Jr. played minor league baseball for the South Bend Hawks. One of the owners of the team, Stuart N. Robinson, told Sports Illustrated, "Last yhear I saw Big Pete... I fell in step with him, identified myself and my South Bend connection, and gave Pete my observation of Pete Jr. He never looked at me, or smiled or broke stride. All he said was "Did he hustle?""
We learn a lot about a father by what he looks for in his son. Our heavenly Father asks one question about His children: "Are they walking in love?" By that question we see the values of God Himself.
I. The trait of consolation
The term, παράκλητος means to be called by somebody for something. If Christ has called you, He has called you to do something for someone else.
The most common verb used in the Greek New Testament to refer to God’s compassion is splanchnizomai. This verb is used twelve times. Once it is used of the Samaritan’s compassion for the wounded man (Luke 10:33). The other eleven uses refer to God’s compassion. In two separate parables Jesus uses this verb to refer to God’s compassion in saving and forgiving sinners (Matt. 18:27 and Luke 15:20). The remainder of the uses of this verb all refer to compassion as the major motivation for Jesus’ healing and miracles. So in nine out of eleven occurrences where this verb is used of God’s compassion it refers to the compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ as his motivation for healing!
II. The trait of consolation
The term, παραμύθιον, means to be comforted or nurtured by love; If there is any comfort nurtured by the love of Christ living in you, then you are to use that love to assist others in experiencing that same love.
Methodist preacher Charles Allen tells of a little child who went on an errand for her mother. She was late coming back, and her mother asked for an explanation. The child explained that a playmate of hers down the street had fallen and broken her doll and that she had helped her. The mother wondered what she could do to help mend the broken doll. The little girl made a marvelous reply, “I just sat down and helped her cry.”
III. The trait of fellowship
The term, κοινωνία, suggests Spirit of community and participation; If there is any fellowship of the Holy Spirit living in you then you are called by Christ to to be at one with others participating in that same fellowship.
Richard Wurmbrand of Tortured for Christ said that when in prison they tithed! “When we were given one slice of bread a week and dirty soup every day, we decided we would faithfully “tithe” even that. Every tenth week we took the slice of bread and gave it to the weaker brethren as our “tithe” to the Master.”
IV. The trait of affection
The term, εὔνοια, means Good will, tender mercies, passionate love; If there is any goodwill or passionate love generated by the Holy Spirit living in you, that love is only real if it is consistently demonstrated as lifestyle.
Near Greyfriars Churchyard in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a memorial fountain and statue to a little dog named Greyfriars Bobby. The story: Some five years ago, a man was buried in the churchyard in 1858. His dog—for the next five years until his own death—virtually lived on top of the tomb day and night. The little Skye terrier left the site for only an hour at a time to visit his two friends, the restauranteur who fed him and the sexton who built a shelter for him at the stop. Strangely enough, on Saturdays, he would wait for an extra dinner, which he kept for Sunday. He did not go for dinner on that day.
Thousands visited the yard to see this faithful little dog. In tribute to his lifelong loyalty and devotion, they buried him beside his master.
V. The trait of compassion
The term, ἔλεος, means mercy; If mercy resides in you, then you will have pity on and help.
Mamie made frequent trips to the branch post office. One day she confronted a long line of people who were waiting for service from the postal clerks. Mamie only needed stamps, so a helpful observer asked, “Why don’t you use the stamp machine? You can get all the stamps you need and you won’t have to stand in line.” Mamie said, “I know, but the machine can’t ask me about my arthritis.” People still need human contact.
VI. The trait of joy
The term, εὐφροσύνη, means gladness, or joy; If the gladness of Christ lives in you, then the thankfulness that comes from that joy will cause you to live in peace and cooperation with your Christian brothers and sisters.
The May, 1987 edition of National Geographic included a feature about the arctic wolf. Author David L. Mech described how a seven member pack had targeted several Musk-Oxen Calves who were guarded by eleven adults. As the wolves approached their quarry, the Musk-Oxen bunched in an impenetrable circle, their deadly rear hooves facing out, and the calves remained safe during a long standoff with the enemy.
But then a single ox broke rank, and the herd scattered into nervous little groups. A skirmish ensued and the adults finally fled in panic, leaving the calves to the mercy of the wolves. Not a single calf survived.
Paul warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 that after his departure wolves would come, not sparing the flock. Wolves continue to attack the church today bur cannot penetrate and destroy when unity is maintained. When believers break ranks, however, the provide easy prey.
Close:
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down
Thy head upon my breast!”
I came to Jesus as I was,
Weary, and worn and sad;
I found in him a resting place,
And he hath made me glad.