Essentials: Enemies of Gratitude
Notes
Transcript
Enemies of Gratitude
Enemies of Gratitude
Gratitude is a beautiful feeling
natural response to blessing
We have a head knowledge that we should be thankful
heart knowledge and experiencing deep gratitude are so difficult
What are the enemies of Gratitude?
Expectation
Expectation
Entitlement is a gratitude killer
Deeply felt gratitude hinges on expectation of nothing
and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
1 tim 6:6-11
Comparison
Comparison
Dr. Paul Chappell: “Comparison tends to make us feel inadequate, boastful, or lacking—all of which kill a spirit of gratefulness”
Our eyes cannot look to both God and man.
We see only a portion of other people’s lives, no idea of the hidden...
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
“Do not covet”
Busyness
Busyness
In our rush to succeed, we forget to take time to be thankful
A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Unresolved Negative Emotions
Unresolved Negative Emotions
anger, striving, defensiveness, isolation
2 tim 2:20-21
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.