I have been very blessed over the years to be around people who have been very nice to me. When I became the pastor of FWMBC years ago I was the beneficiary of so many expressions of kindness from the members. One of our members who has gone to be with the Lord, would tell me, when people do nice things for you, "Just Say Thank You!" He was telling me that because I knew that I did not earn or deserve such kindness. I was somewhat embarrassed about the attention. He wanted me to know that people wanted to help and no other response was necessary. I have learned over the years that people don't have to be nice to you, but because they are, "thank you" is certainly appropriate.
Unfortunately, there are many people in this present age who have a difficult time saying "Thank You." We seem to be living in an age when people just take for granted that others should do good things for them. You open the door for them at the store, and they walk through without even a smile toward you. You let someone get in front of you on the freeway while they are changing lanes and not even a hand gesture of appreciation is offered on their part.
You give a dollar to someone who holds a sign at the corner asking for money. They want 5 dollars. They don't even say thank you. Children don't seem to be taught that "thank you" should be a part of their vocabulary. Some have the attitude that you owe them something for bringing them into this world; so why say thank you.
In addition, we take so many things for granted that God has provided. Do you ever thank God for food on your table and clothes on your back? Or do you just attribute those things to your good job and hard work? Does it occur to you that God could stop the flow of oxygen that we breathe or cause the Sun not to shine? What would we do if God decided to stop His daily flow of blessings in our lives? I have come to the conclusion that God is better to me than I am to myself. I will never be able to repay God for all of His goodness toward me, but I can do one thing. I can "just say thank you!"
Have you thanked God today? If not, why not? Learn how to say thank you to each other, and certainly to God as well. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you!
