GRATITUDE (PART 1)

TEXT: 2 Samuel 23:13-17

The attitude of gratitude is an important attribute that can accelerate a man to a new altitude. Those who forget to be grateful have only succeeded in planting seeds of disbelieve and disappointment in the hearts of those one who were instrumental to their fortune. If you leave disappointment in the hearts of those you should be grateful to, by your actions, you have cancelled your next appointment with favour. If that fellow is ever in the position to help make things better for you, he would prefer giving the opportunity to someone who has shown more gratitude. Even when you think certain things are your right, it is still very important to show appreciation. Some people have lost their job or a contract because of ingratitude. If you get a job through somebody, it is only wise for you to do something to appreciate the person once in a while. Words of appreciation are good but not good enough. Even if you think the individual would not need it because he has more than enough, the fact that you tried your best to show gratitude will make him feel indebted to favour you. Such actions of gratitude will help secure your next appointment with destiny.

David was unquestionably a man of gratitude in his relationship with God but he was also a man full of gratitude with men. (See 1 Samuel 30:26 - 31).There are many Christians who have worked for years with their boss without thinking of getting him/her an unusual and unsolicited gift. Gratitude will induce actions and decisions in your favor, this is not the same as a bribe because bribes is given to pervert judgment (see Proverbs 21:14, 19:6). If in the past 6 months you have not shown gratitude to your superiors you are an ingrate. If after you got that job or contract you did not go to show gratitude after you got your first salary, you are an ingrate. If you are not an ingrate, once in a while, when he needs something that may be as insignificant as a bottle of drink, you would be glad to pay for it with your own money. If you have asked for transport fare every time he/she sends you on an errand, even when it is a short distance, you are an ingrate. Are you an ingrate? 

PRACTICAL LESSONS

1.       If you are lacking in the expression of gratitude do something about it ASAP.

2.       Refuse to allow pride and shame lead you to a complete defeat, take steps to make up for every debt of gratitude you owe. Devotional 2013 by Rev. Igho L.Y: The Glorious Fountain Ministries.