Are You a Hostage of Ingratitude?

Are You a Hostage of Ingratitude?

These tough economic times provide an ample playground for coveting. It is easy to see what we would like to have instead of looking at (and being grateful of) what we have. Are you a hostage of ingratitude?We’d like to think that coveting or craving what others have is not a sin. But the Bible is very clear about this. Just read what these two modern translations of the 10th commandment proclaims:

Do not desire and try to take your neighbor’s wife. Do not crave your neighbor’s house, field, male or female servant, ox, donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor. (Deut. 5:21, CEB)

No coveting your neighbor’s wife. And no lusting for his house, field, servant, maid, ox, or donkey either—nothing that belongs to your neighbor! (Deut.5:21, MSG)

The sin of coveting holds us hostage in our own lives. The only way out of this mess is the same way that gets us on with real living: JESUS.
Jesus is the only way from hostage to freedom.
Jesus is the only way from coveting to loving.
Jesus is the only way from grumbling to thanksgiving.

We need to repent all the causes of ingratitude in our lives.
We need to repent of the infesting attitudes that prevent us from celebrating the Giver of Life.
We need to repent of focusing on the things we don’t have.

Because God knows best what is good for us and when it is good for us.
Because coveting brings more and more unhappiness into our lives.
God is the answer for our needs – not the things we secretly covet.
God is the answer for our problems – not the things we secretly covet.
God is the answer to our yearnings – not the things we secretly covet.

 

Gracious God,
We come to you with broken hearts.
Please forgive us our coveting.
Please forgive us our ingratitude.
Please forgive us our selfishness.
We repent! Forgive us!We bring you our needs and desires.
Change us, renew us, equip us.
Restore in us the right spirit!
So we can thank you!
So we can praise you!
So we can adore you now and forever!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: What is your cause of ingratitude?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you prepare your heart for gratitude by repenting the causes of ingratitude in your life!

Image courtesy of Clint Doggett. This post was refurbished from last year.

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