UnThanksgiving

One of the most lethal ailments of a human soul is ingratitude. There are sins that are more public yet few are more deadly.

In Romans 1:21, the Apostle Paul writes:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

This verse is not only just a indictment of the Pagans; which it surely is, because all people know there is a God but humanity suppresses the truth in unrighteousnesses. In other words, the wicked heart leads, and the mind follows behind on a leash. Intellectual argumentation just does the bidding for a heart in rebellion. Paul's opening salvo was a heat and heart-seeking missile into the center of Roman pride.

It is also an indictment of religious types who give mouth service to God but whose hearts are equally astray (probably most specifically a reference to many of the Jews):

Romans 2:1

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.

These two indictments essential convicts all of humanity of sin. Pride is at the root, and ingratitude and thanklessness are among of the vile fruits. The Law of God condemns this human heart tree, God's grace--through Christ dying on that tree--recreates man spiritually and renews creation.

The new fruits? Gratitude, humility, charity, hope, faithfulness, and love. Now, that is a reason for Thanksgiving!

Comments

Unknown said…
amen and well put, Eric.
we are called to give thanks in all things! very hard but also necessary "therapy" as it were.
December 4, 2010 at 6:51 AM
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