The Danger of Ingratitude

nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.

–1 Corinthians 10:10

Paul said that the happenings of the Old Testament were given as an example for us in the New Testament Covenant, so we might learn from their instruction. (1 Cor. 10:11) So what can we learn about the wilderness journey? God says what He means and means what He says. He doesn’t like grumbling as it stand in stark opposition to faith. Numbers 11:1 says that when God heard the people complaining in the Israelite camp, His anger was aroused and a deathly fire burned.

Murmuring and complaining are bad because they call into question the sovereignty of God. They suggest that He is either unable or unwilling to work on our behalf therefore it doubts His power or His love. God takes His character very seriously even when we don’t.

Ingratitude is very dangerous because it makes us susceptible to ever-increasing levels of unbelief which is sin. Complaining about our present lot in life adds to the level of frustration in our daily life. We can become short with our spouse or our children. We start focusing on what is wrong with everything in our lives rather than gazing on all the many good things He does for us. It maximizes the blessings in others’ lives and minimizes their crosses while we do just the opposite with our own mirror. Why? We have to somehow validate our reason for murmuring and complaining.

Ingratitude temps us to always see the negative in life and in others as well. Nobody seems to do it right. The kids don’t clean well enough. My husband is never thoughtful enough. My wife doesn’t appreciate all I do for her. On and on the list goes and the spiral can increase to dizzying speeds if we don’t stop the merry-go-round and reassess.

The best way to cure ingratitude is on our knees in repentance, admitting to God that we have forgotten to praise Him for His tender mercies that we do not deserve. We also need to confess the sin of comparison (2 Corinthians 10:12) for this is often the fuel for ingratitude, taking a superficial glance into what God is doing in the lives of others without realizing their burdens.

Finally, we need to begin acknowledging all the ways that God has blessed us.

This may include having a healthy family or a stable income for the house. It could be God’s blessings on our homeschool as we see our children understand a new concept. The bottom line is we usually find what we are looking for whether that be good or bad.

During the month of November it is fitting that we fast for an increased level of thanksgiving in our home. One of the greatest lessons we can ever teach our children is the importance and the benefit of gratitude. This is what home discipleship is all about.

(You may want to take each of the following requests and talk about them with your children to its meaning and importance and then pray for that request throughout the month)

1. Pray that our children will not be caught up in the entitlement mentality of the world.
   • For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.—2 Thes. 3:10
   • “‘ .. It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”—Acts 20:35
2. Pray that God would grace our children with a heart of gratitude, always concentrating on what they do have rather on what they don’t have.
   • Give us this day our daily bread,–Matt. 6:11
   • Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,–Hebrews 12:28
3. Pray that our children would be more sensitive to that which is unseen as opposed to the things that are seen, the temporal versus the eternal.
   • as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.–2 Cor. 4:18
   • The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.–1 Cor. 2:14
4. Pray that our children would see the superficiality of worldly thinking and priorities.
   • Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.–Psalms 62:9
   • For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.–James 1:11
   • See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.–Col. 2:8
5. Pray that we parents can help connect our children to our history, both nationally and personally, so that they can see the hidden hand of God throughout and be thankful for His plan and purpose.
   • We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God–Psalms 78:4-7
   • That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.–Psalms 26:7
6. Pray that God will give each household a strategy in establishing a lifestyle of thanksgiving year around and not one day a year.
   • The living, the living, he thanks you, as I do this day; the father makes known to the children your faithfulness.–Is. 38:19
   • And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?–Matt. 21:16 (KJV)
7. Pray that murmuring and complaining finds no place in each of our homes.
   • Do all things without murmurings and disputings:–Phil. 2:14 (KJV)
   • And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled;–Numbers 11:1
8. Pray that we and our children will know that God is Lord over all and everything He allows to come our way is by purpose, plan, and design and will result in His glory and our betterment if we walk in obedient faith.
   • In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.—1 Thes. 5:18
   • But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.–James 1:4
9. Pray that our children and we find contentment and satisfaction in the context God presently has us in and not always be looking for the next best thing.
   • Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.–Phil. 4:11
   • nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”–Luke 17:21