Be Thankful

²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man – Romans 1:20-23a

These verses in Romans chapter one from 18 through 32 would be really easy to discuss and teach/preach on for a very long time.  They are very revealing to the actions of myself at times and towards the actions that others take at times. 

The “they” referred to here is described in verse 18 and 19.  “They” are people “who suppress the truth in unrighteousness”.  “They” have been made aware of what “may be known in God” as “God has shown it to them” but they intentionally reject it.  Another description is they allow their wickedness to keep the truths revealed to them by God from being shared or observed.  They keep the truth from going forth.  They try to keep God’s character from being revealed.  Verse 18 says the wrath of God is against their actions.  If the power of God is in the knowledge of salvation (Romans 1:16), then it makes reasonable sense that the power of God is against whatever opposes that knowledge.

They knew God but rejected Him as God.  They were not thankful.  This is a key to this image presented of people who refuse to acknowledge God as the only one true living God.  When someone is unable to be thankful for their very life, for every person in their life, for everything in their life, for every circumstance or event in their life, so that every moment is treasured, they will not see God as the authority over their life.  Their life is not a gift but deserved and earned.  People and events are all to be manipulated into how it can benefit them.  This corrupt mindset leads to the following descriptions of these people in verses 22 through 32 in this chapter.  We can only hope that when we take this trip or when others do it’s a really short trip and the turnaround is as early as possible.

Let us be careful to intentionally be thankful and grateful for every small and big event, person, thing in our life today, recognizing that God is the only authority in the universe.