That which may be known of God is manifest ... for God hath shown it unto them. For the invisible things of Him, even His eternal power and Godhead, from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made; so that they are without excuse; because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful.

Romans 1:19-21

If someone fails to express his thanks for a present or a favour, we consider it impolite and do not feel inclined to help such a person again. Politeness is generally not as widespread as it used to be; both children and adults have forgotten the need for gratitude. It is as though everything can be taken as a matter of course! We feel offended most when we ourselves are concerned. But don't we regularly omit to thank the greatest of all benefactors, God Himself? Today's verse from the Bible reminds us that an expression of gratitude on the part of the creature is one of his duties towards his Creator. Health, the joy of family life, employment, the living we earn - if we enjoy all these things - and the very air we breathe are not things that we should take for granted. Nothing arises of itself; so everything gives us an occasion to thank God for all His good gifts.

The greatest of all His gifts, however, is His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, whom He sent down to us sinners to accomplish the work of redemption for us. Isn't that a cause for constant gratitude?

May we learn to say with the apostle Paul and all believers: "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Good Seed Calendar, August 6/05