Decisions: I Choose to be Grateful

John 10:10 (AMP) The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

1.  I will take responsibility 

2.  I will seek wisdom

3.  I will be a person of action

4.  I will have a decided heart 

Luke 17:11-19 (NIV) Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him.  They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”  And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed?  Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” 

• Grateful — “to show a deep appreciation for the kindness or benefits received.” 

Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

The two greatest enemies of a grateful heart are: 

1.  Complaining

Complain — “to express dissatisfaction, resentment, and to find fault.”  

Philippians 2:14 (TLB) In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing.

James 5:9 (AMP) Do not complain [grumble] against one another…so that you will not be judged [for it]. 

2.  Envy 

Envy — “a deeply felt grudge because someone possesses what a person wishes was his own.”

Ecclesiastes 6:9 (GNT) It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to be always wanting something else.

1 Corinthians 3:3 (NKJV) For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

Takeaway #1 — An ungrateful heart always produces a lack of contentment.  

Takeaway #2 — An ungrateful heart doesn’t change anything. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (NIV) Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 

Takeaway #3 — An ungrateful heart grieves the Holy Spirit.  

How we can cultivate a grateful heart:

1.  Gratitude is a choice

“I do not complain.  Papa says complaining is an activity just as jumping rope or listening to the radio is an activity.  One may choose to turn on the radio, and one may choose not to turn on the radio.  One may choose to complain, and one may choose not to complain.  I choose not to complain.” 

“Our very lives are fashioned by choice.  First we make choices.  Then our choices make us.”  —The Traveler’s Gift 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

2. Everything and everyone is a gift 

1 Corinthians 4:7 (TLB) What do you have that God hasn’t given you?  And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own?

Philippians 1:3 (NLT) Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

3.  Maintain perspective 

1 Chronicles 17:16 (NKJV) Then King David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said, “Who am I, O Lord God?  And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?”