GRATEFULNESS
“For God so loved the world…” (Jno.3:16). When we consider what Jesus has done for us, how very grateful we should be. He was in heaven with God, but because he loved us, he left that wonderful home and came and lived on earth. This within itself would have been enough; yet, he did not live among the wealthy, but rather among the poor of this earth. While here he gave us the greatest law that has ever been conceived. Then, because we could not pay the penalty for sin, he went to the cross in our stead, offering his own blood as an atonement for our sins, making it possible for you and me to enjoy heaven when this life is ended. Perhaps we do not comprehend the extent of this sacrifice. Let us put it on a personal basis. What cause would you give your very life for? This is what our Lord did, and he did it all because he loved us. Yet, how has the world repaid him? Wickedness is the order of the day. Worldly pleasures take precedent over worshipping God, and total dedication to his cause is rare.
Ungratefulness
is a terrible thing, yet it is obvious that the majority of people do not even
consider what Jesus has done for us.
There is no thought of service to him on the part of the majority of
people. However, again, let us make it
personal. What have you done for Christ
lately? He died for you; what do you do
for him? Do you worship him regularly
and faithfully? Do you study his word
systematically? Do you make an attempt
to teach his word to those who are lost?
Do you visit and encourage the weak Christians? Do you visit the bereaved and the sick? Do you give as you have been prospered? If you are failing to do any of these things,
can you honestly feel that you are serving the Lord faithfully? If you were asked why you felt that you
should go to heaven, could you give any other reason than that Christ died for
you? Without this sacrifice on the part
of our Lord, we surely could never make it heaven; however, the fact that
Christ died on