Have you ever noticed that one of the first words a child learns is “mine”? It’s a word that they just pick up on their own without any prodding from the parents. On the other hand the phrase “thank you” doesn’t come so naturally. It must be cultivated, worked on and repeated. Even then much of the time we as parents have to remind our children to say “thank you”.
Yes it’s true we were all born with a bent towards discontentment. Adam and Eve lived in the middle of a world full of gorgeous landscapes, intriguing animals, and extraordinary plant life. According to God it was “good”! Then one day a lie convinced them otherwise.
The lie put doubt into their minds and called God’s goodness into question. Adam and Eve began to doubt God’s provision and believe that they deserved better.
What are we really saying about God when we are discontent?
- God is not providing for my needs
- God is not treating me fair
- God has impure motives and is holding something back from me
- I know what I need better than God knows
What are some causes of discontentment?
- Forgetfulness – The children of Israel in the wilderness
- Jealousy – Joseph’s brothers
- Pride – Miriam complaining about Moses’ leadership
- Bitterness – Jonah after Nineveh repented
- Laziness – David and Bathsheba incident
How can we change our discontentment into thanksgiving?
- Recognize that discontentment is a sin 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- Make thanksgiving a regular practice Daniel 6:10
- Never ask God for anything without first thanking Him for something Philippians 4:6
- Learn to thank God through the practice of sacrificial giving Psalm 116:17
- Ask God to give you an attitude of gratefulness towards those around you Ephesians 5:18-20
What does a thankful heart do?
- Humbly recognizes God as the source of all good things
- Realizes that he doesn’t deserve the grace he has been given
- Produces joy and contentment in the most difficult circumstances
- Comes to worship easily
- Perceives the needs of others before his own
- Is a pleasure for others to be around
I Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Questions: What do you do to cultivate and attitude of thanksgiving in your life?
Deb
April 18, 2013Caleb, Thanks for sharing this post with me. I completely agree with your causes of discontent. Great reminders.
Our “mine” story is about our grandson. He was born in 2008 at 24 weeks 3 days, weighing 1lb.9oz. He spent 4 1/2 months in the NICU, and had a trache until he was almost 4 years old. It took him a while to start talking. When he did, he called his mom – “mommy” and his dad, our son, “mine.” We all love it.
Caleb
April 19, 2013Thanks for sharing your “mine” story. What a precious thing for your grandson to call his father! I love it!