One of life's great secrets, in terms of happiness and well-being, involves a clear understanding
of the incredible power of thankfulness! It's unfortunate that so few have learned this valuable
lesson, but perhaps we can add some insight to this life-changing truth. After all, thankfulness
is something we should practice far beyond the Thanksgiving season.
According to the Bible, God has carefully revealed himself to all creation, and mankind will
ultimately be judged by how they respond to that inner knowledge and revelation placed within.
The two most fundamental responses for which God looks in mankind, and the most basic standard
by which all people will be judged are, glorifying God as God (acknowledging God for who he is),
and being thankful.
Not surprisingly, these two elements go hand-in-hand. There is no way to truly understand and
acknowledge God's reality and character without also being thankful for who he is and for life
that has been given to us. In this regard I have yet to meet the person who doesn't have something
in life for which to be thankful.
Thankfulness is perhaps the single most powerful and life-changing attitude known to man!
However, it's an attitude that works most effectively when externalized. In other words, thankfulness
needs to be seen and experienced by others.
I have noticed over the years that thankful people are pleasant to be around and that ungrateful
people are often unhappy. This is one reason I feel sorry for atheists. A true atheist is limited in his
ability to be thankful, because thankfulness requires an object. If you cannot acknowledge a source
for your blessings, how can you feel grateful or express thankfulness?
If an avowed atheist feels thankful for the lovely weather or a beautiful sunset, he has become a
hypocrite. That must be an unhappy way to live, which may explain why I meet so few atheists who
seem truly joyful about life.
Thankful people are happy people! Interestingly, the root word for thankfulness in the Bible means joy.
This is obviously more than a coincidental relationship. Have you noticed that it's difficult to be thankful
without feeling joyful, and difficult to be joyful without wanting to thank someone?
I encourage you to develop a gratitude attitude. Live a life of thankfulness, externalize your gratefulness
to others, and learn to be thankful in all things. It really does work.
