God Wants You to Be Thankful 1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 ; Ephesians 5:3–4 ; Ephesians 5:18–20 “Giving someone else thanks is not a given on Thanksgiving,” said McConnell. “But four times as many people give thanks to family or God than choose to thank themselves.” A quarter of those aged 18 to 34 (24%) and 19% of 35- to 49-year-olds say they thank themselves on Thanksgiving, compared to 9% of those aged 50 to 64 and 6% of Americans 65 and older. Why is being Thankful such a big deal? 2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; Ingratitude is a sign of a lost heart and a backslidden Christian. Un-thankfulness is a sign of the pagan generation. Why is being Thankful so difficult? Circumstances Comparisons Complaining Consumerism Callousness of Others (It is) Contrary to Our Spirit The same voice that praises God for His provision and blessing should be the same voice that trusts God when he doesn’t have so much that it will ruin him. 1. Manner of Giving Thanks Not “For” Everything “In” Everything 2. Method of Giving Thanks eucharisteo – often translated praise – it is done via the mouth – praise offering Attitude Action Thanks Smile Song Countenance Notes 3. Motive for Giving Thanks Will of God Plan of God to be Saved Sanctified Spirit-Controlled Suffering Saying Thanks Don’t Worry, Want, or Waste, Be Thankful Practice Daily the Discipline of Gratitude Purpose to Pray about the things that worry You Thankfulness says I trust God in my circumstances – Romans 8:28.