I was reading in the book of Romans the other day. Romans 1:21 in particular: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” [NIV]
I also read it in the Holman translation: “For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened.”
I like the way the Holman translation broke the thought into two sentences. That period made me pause and that pause made me reread it. “They did not … show gratitude.”
This passage is a grand indictment against the Gentile World. It is part of the opening chapters of Romans which will eventually indict everyone … Jews, Gentiles, those with law and those without the law. What struck me most about this verse is that mixed in among all the horrific, evil things mankind was guilty of, was the failure to show gratitude to God.
We don’t always think a lack of gratitude is anything but a lack of common courtesy. A failure to say thanks after receiving something doesn’t sound like anything but bad manners. Apparently, God looks at a lack of gratitude as far worse than bad manners. It’s listed alongside idolatry, sexual impurity, lying.
That is an almost overwhelming thought. Especially when I consider just how ungrateful I can be. Far too often my thoughts turn to only what is needed and wanted rather than what has been given and received.
Father God, I want to be grateful! I want to show my gratitude to you in every way. I want to offer praise and thanksgiving to Your Name. I always want to remember what you have done for me, in me. Thank you, Father, for the mercy, grace, and love which are my daily companions as I walk this walk of faith. Amen.
