Gratitude

I've been thinking a lot about our commands to thankfulness.  Romans 1 seems to be clear that a lack of gratitude opens the door to all sorts of heinous sin.  Saying "Thank you" to God for even the most difficult of providences is the only way that we can deal with those trials.

Giving thanks is really the ultimate way of humbling yourself.  Have you ever met the type of person who describes all the wonderful things you did for them, but somehow refuses to say the words, "Thank you"?  When you thank someone you really are humbling yourself, realizing that you are in debt to that person.  When you thank God you realize that all things ultimately come from Him.  He is a good God and will give you good things, if you are His child.

There are many "good," moral people in the world who aren't religious at all.  There are many religious people who lead miserable lives.  What's the difference?  Why is the "good" man damned without Christ?  He never says "Thank you" to the One that he owes his entire life.  That's frightening.