Thanksgiving Assessment

I recently found these questions from Paul Tripp both convicting and helpful.

• Do you find it easier to complain than to give thanks?
• Are you easily irritated and quickly impatient?
• Do mundane hassles get under your skin?
• Would the people who live nearest to you characterize you as a thankful person or a complaining person?

• Do you look at your world and find many reasons to complain because things aren’t going your way?
• Do you look at your world and find yourself blown away at the many reasons you have every day to give thanks?

• Do you view yourself as one who has been constantly short-changed and neglected?
• Do you view yourself as one who has been showered with blessings?''

• How often do you grumble “If only I had _____” or “I wish that _____ was different”?
• How often do you whisper thanks to God or communicate thanks to those around you?

I'm not encouraged by my honest answers to these questions. I need to repent and I need grace! But God promises grace to the humble (see James 4:6). Sometimes what we most need is to see the pride underneath our ungrateful spirit. Then we can repent, be humbled, and receive the grace that gives thanks.