It’s amazing that two people can be in the exact same circumstances…job, school, neighborhood, church, and one is filled with gratitude while the other complains. Why? Because the complainer perceives that what they have is owed to them; they are entitled. The other sees what they have as a gift for which to be grateful, not entitled, but blessed! Entitlement kills gratitude. Here in the U.S. we have more than most people in the world, yet we are less grateful and have an overall attitude of entitlement. It is sad that a society which has so much to be grateful for, experiences so little satisfaction and gratitude.

Scriptures
Phil 2:14-16; Rom 1:21; 1 Cor 10:10; Phil 4:10-12; Phil 1:3

Verse
Do everything without complaining or arguing,… (Phil 2:14) …,for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Phil 4:11-12)

Thought
We tend to be very aware of our faults when we lie, cheat, steal or are unfaithful. However, few see themselves as ungrateful. We can all think of things we are grateful for and people who have done nice things for which we are grateful. But how often have we expressed our gratitude to the person who blessed us and to God who is the giver of all we have? Unexpressed gratitude appears to others as ingratitude. It takes a humble heart to recognize that all we have is a gift from God. Each person in our life and all the material blessings we have are ours because He has allowed it. We are not entitled to anything. Paul figured it out. He was able to live contented/grateful in any and every circumstance. What a great life we can experience when we learn to be grateful right where we are with what we have.

Questions
If you never had anything more than you have right now, would you be content? Right now what are you most grateful for? Who is the most content person you know? What do you think is the secret to their contentment? What can you do on a daily basis to increase the gratitude you feel?

Response
Make of list of people you are grateful for. Find a way to express your gratitude this coming week. This might be a card, a phone call, or a small expression of thanks. Bless someone who has blessed you. Make a list of the things you have for which you are grateful. Thank and praise God for his abundantly generous blessings in your life.

Prayer
Lord God, open my eyes to a new awareness of my blessings. Thank you for all you have done for me. I am richly and abundantly blessed. Help me to bless others by my words and my actions. May I bless you by living with gratitude and contentment. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.