Gratitude Defines Attitude

100.

The Bible mentions the word "thanks," be it thanksgiving or give thanks, 100 times. But how many times a day do you remember this? How many times do you thank God for the things He consistently does in your life? What about the things He doesn't do?

It's no secret that we are commanded to give thanks. We should be consistent in giving Him the thanks He is due in the same way He is consistent in giving us everything we could possibly need and more.

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking "I thank Him when I get what I want, but why should I thank Him when I don't?" Paul was writing to the church of Colosse about how they should continue to live their new lives in Christ when he wrote this.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:15-17

Whatever you do. WHATEVER .YOU. DO.

This morning on the way to school and work we got caught by a train. Instead of complaining about the fact that we had to wait, I began to thank God for the lights that tell us to stop so we can avoid wrecks. I thanked Him for the advances in industries that have allowed us to have trains. I thanked Him for the chance to stop and look around at the beauty He created.

The small act of thanking versus complaining literally changed my whole attitude. It gave me an opportunity to have a fresh mindset on the day. This is something small I have started implementing into my every day life. It is so easy to complain and whine about things that don't go the right way. It is so much easier to forget what we have been given and remember what we have lost. But think of how much more joy God would give you if you were to thank Him for those things we remember instead of complaining about them.

So instead of groaning when you see that red light, be thankful we live in a country with traffic laws. Instead of turning your nose up to the tap water you have to drink because you ran out of bottles, be thankful that you have running water. When your children throw a fit in the middle of Walmart, be grateful you have healthy kids with a full lung capacity.

Think of how much your attitude will change when your gratitude increases.