The Beautiful Humility of a Grateful Heart

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful …. –2 Timothy 3:1-2a NLT (emphasis mine)

Reading Paul’s description of attitudes in the last days is not for the faint of heart. He spares no one in his letter to Timothy, as he gives a straightforward, horrific list of the character traits of those who claim to be religious but act in ways contrary to all Christ taught us. He warns Timothy to stay away from those who are not sincere in their faith.

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! —2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT)

As I read this passage during my quiet time, I was struck by the word “ungrateful” in that long list of nasty character traits. Initially, it seemed minor compared to other offenses like cruelty, slander, or unforgiveness. But there it was. As I mused on all those awful behaviors, it came to me that the root of most of them—including ungratefulness—is pride. When we are self-centered and concerned only with what makes us feel good, we lose our empathy for others, and we lose our gratitude. When we regain gratitude, much of the wicked conduct Paul describes will fade away.

Gratitude comes from a place of humility, acknowledging that we don’t naturally deserve to have abundance. It’s not our due. Most of us in this country are recipients of lavish grace from God because we were born into a situation where food and shelter are plentiful. And we’d best notice that gift from God and not take it for granted. We didn’t deserve it or earn it. The place and time of our birth were totally outside our control. Yet, here we are. Most of us reading this blog have more than enough.

It’s November. Thanksgiving happens this month, and it’s one of my favorite holidays. Creating a day when we eat a big meal and focus on gratefulness was genius! It’s so simple. Doesn’t require a lot of decorating or present-buying or special songs. Just sit down and eat and notice you have food in front of you. Take time to ponder the significance of that. Not everyone can sit at a nice table (perhaps even decorated) and eat until they’re full. Those of us who can don’t even think about it most of the time. We assume it. Run out of food? No problem. Drive to the grocery store and buy more or, better yet, have it delivered. Don’t even leave the house.

We who have plenty can grow to feel entitled and prideful, assuming that our lifestyle is naturally what we ought to have. We can be downright ungrateful for blessings that many don’t enjoy. I love that we stop and think about it on Thanksgiving. This year, I’d like to propose at the very beginning of this month that we stop and “thank about it”—each day.

Paul ends his diatribe against false Christians with this insight: “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly” (2 Timothy 3:5a). The power to make us godly comes from God alone through the working of His Holy Spirit in our lives. And the Holy Spirit works through those who are yielded and submitted to Him, not to those who insist on controlling and running their own lives. In the beautiful upside-down kingdom of God, the power to be truly godly is given to the meek and lowly and humble of heart.

Would you join me in prayer over this?

Dear Heavenly Father,

For some divine reason we cannot fully understand, You chose to give us life and to place us in a country and family situation where food has been plentiful. Thank You.

Thank You for a warm place to live, an actual bed with a mattress upon which to sleep, a home with more than one room, indoor plumbing, hot water at the touch of a faucet, clean water pouring out without any walking to fetch it or boiling it first, and plentiful choices of food for every meal. In fact, thank You that we are able to eat multiple meals every single day.

Father, forgive us for taking all of this for granted. Many on our planet go without, and we often complain about minor things like a grocery store being out of our favorite brand of grape jelly. Oh, help us to notice the bounty! Help us to have sharing hearts for those in our neighborhoods who are going without. Pull us away from self-centered entitlement and show us the blessings we have right in front of us. Make us grateful people, Lord, and help this month to have an increased awareness of all the beautiful gifts You have given us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

You are loved,
Sharon

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

 Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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