How often do you give thanks, and in what situations? Dr. Jeremiah Johnston says being thankful should be habitual for Christians. He refers to the Roman philosopher, Cicero, who expressed that gratitude is the parent of all virtues. Jeremiah says Christians should remain in wonder of their salvation through Jesus Christ.
“Let us never stop being thankful people. A great barometer of your mental health is your ability to personally experience gratitude. Did you know gratitude will strengthen your immune system, it will lower your blood pressure, it will make you stronger and healthier?”
Thankfulness is also a mark of wisdom because it confirms that we did not accomplish anything on our own. Ingratitude, on the other hand, is the first step toward apostasy, according to the Apostle Paul, who warned in Romans 1:21,
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
Grateful attitudes are exhibited by many exemplars in the Bible, from King David in the Old Testament to James in the New Testament. One of the greatest things Christians have to rejoice over is access to the Word of God.
Scholar and author, Dr. Craig Evans, describes the value of biblical prophecies foretelling the Messiah. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of that prophecy, giving us a right relationships with God, for which we can be forever thankful. Jeremiah reminds listeners of the story in Luke 17:11-17, in which only one of 10 healed lepers came back to thank Jesus.
“I pray that you and I are thankful people. When I think about the fact that Jesus has forgiven us of our sins, wow, that makes me full of gratitude. I never want to lose my awe of my salvation in Christ.”
Dr. Craig Evans is the John Bisagno Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Baptist University. He is a sought-after biblical scholar and New Testament expert. His books and teaching have encouraged many.