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CHAPLAIN'S CORNER: UNTHANKFUL

By Jerroll Martens, Chaplain

“… Unthankful …” is used in II Timothy 3 along with words like “covetous, blasphemers, unholy, trucebreakers, false accusers.” Paul, the writer, is warning us not to become a part of that lifestyle.

The Bible has much to say about thankfulness. In Numbers 11, Israel had been rescued from slavery in Egypt, God is now providing food each day, yet there is an element who bellyached about not having some of the things that they had in Egypt. God’s anger is stirred, and judgment comes.

Surely lack of thankfulness is seen in the first sin, as Adam and Eve listen to the devil who convinces them that God is withholding something good from them.

We remember Jesus’ experience with the 10 lepers. Only one gives thanks for healing, and we see the sadness in Jesus’ heart. Perhaps lack of gratitude was also at the root of the crucifixion of our Lord. Rather than being thankful for a savior, they inflicted the greatest pain possible. To add insult, they spit in his face. None of us has experienced such ingratitude.

Figures in history also talked about the subject. Ben Franklin said, “Most people return small favors, acknowledge medium ones and repay greater ones – with ingratitude.”

Shakespeare said, “I hate ingratitude more in a man than lying, babbling, drunkenness…”

In this Thanksgiving season, let each of us check our thankfulness.

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Ephesians 5:20

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