Gratitude

We are, as a race, sadly lacking in gratitude. Now, of course, I'm free to make claims like that all I want as long as I get to define the term and you don't, right? So let's see if we can agree on a definition here. The dictionary defines gratitude as "thankfulness". Yes, well, thanks much, dictionary. No, we can do better. It means to be warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received. I don't think we would disagree with that. But, then, what does the definition mean? We understand that to be grateful is to be appreciative, but what is that? Well, that would depend on if you're talking economics or personal interaction. The word itself is rooted in the concept of economics--affixing a price. And we use it that way when the house we own goes up in price. It "appreciated". As it turns out, that is the concept of "appreciation" in human interaction as well. It is to apply a greater value to something. In this case, it would be to apply value to kindness or benefits rendered. And now we have arrived at a working version of "gratitude". To recognize the value of something given.

We are, then, as a race, sadly lacking in a the ability to recognize the value of what we are given. Think not? Look at the waste we incur. Look at the difficulty we have in teaching our kids to be grateful. Look at the indictment of God against mankind. "Even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." (Rom 1:21) I would say that God believes that we, as a race, sadly lack the ability to recognize the value of God and what He has given.

So, what is our problem? Is it that we have an over-inflated sense of entitlement? "You owed me that, so why should I be grateful?" Is it that our values are off? "I'd be grateful for a Maserati, but not so much for a Honda." Why do we have to teach kids that the things they are given are valuable--appreciated? And is the problem with them the same as the problem with us, only in a adult form? We tend to take the good things we're given for granted. We tend to be ungrateful. Why is that?

(Note: Some people might think this is a simple exercise in thinking things through. Given the opinion of Scripture on the subject, I think it's actually kind of important. See 2 Cor 4:15; Eph 5:3-4; Eph 5:18-20; Phil 4:6; Col 2:6-7; Col 3:17; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:18; 1 Tim 4:4; Heb 12:28; Heb 13:15.)