Are Overindulged People Capable of Contentment?

It’s imperative to help children to develop an attitude of appreciation and to show gratitude. It helps them gain respect for others and themselves. A crucial way to teach this is encouraging them to give to others. A child who is loved and appreciated and who feels safe, secure, and trustful will learn to give love and affection.

God’s word teaches Christians to give because it shows appreciation for what God has provided. If children are overindulged, then respect for the value of things isn’t learned. Overindulgence does not create in a child gratitude and appreciation because children sense it isn’t right.

An attitude of gratitude is key to a contented life. This does not mean you have all you want but that you are contented with what God provides. When Jesus tells us to give, he is referring to giving what has eternal value, such as appreciation and thankfulness wrapped up in deep-felt love and service to God and others.  

___________          

“He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him], I shall show the salvation of God.”

~Psalm 50:23 Amplified Bible

___________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Does an Attitude of Gratitude Have to Be Taught?

Parents want to give their children the best they can afford, believing it will help their self-esteem by creating a positive self image. Do indulged children appreciate what they’re given? Have you witnessed children ripping through mounds of gifts and never uttering, “Thank you”? An attitude of gratitude has to be taught throughout childhood.

A four-year-old girl knocked on a neighbor’s door and cheerfully said, “Trick or treat!”  When the neighbor dropped candy into her bag, the child protested, “I don’t like that kind.” The child’s mother quickly ordered her child to say, “Thank you.” The mother was teaching her child to be courteous and show gratitude.

Proverbs 31 demonstrates how a woman can succeed in business, as a wife, and in being a mother. “She is clothed with strength and dignity...Her children demonstrate appreciation and gratitude.” So do not grow weary or cease to give thanks to the Lord, especially for the opportunity to teach your children how to be appreciative.                   

___________ 

Keep your roots deep in [Christ], and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.

~Colossians 2:7 Good News Bible

____________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week. 

Is It Possible to Stifle Feelings of Gratitude?

What prevents feelings of gratitude from being acknowledged or expressed? It could be related to thinking the world and God owe you everything you need and want. Possessing the finances or credit to purchase whatever is desired can create an attitude of self-reliance that stifles the inclination to be thankful.

Rediscovering gratitude demands going against self-sufficiency and independence. To create a new attitude of gratitude, consider which of your possessions has the least value and give thanks to God for that very thing. Your coffee cup, your toothbrush, and the mirror that helps you prepare for the day are provisions from God.

First Thessalonians 5:16 reminds us that an attitude of gratitude is required by God. “Be joyful always, pray at all times, and be thankful for every situation. This is God’s will for you in your union with Christ Jesus.” Gratitude should be linked to Jesus because in him we have hope and confidence.          

___________          

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

~Ephesians 5:19-20 New International Version

___________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Rich Rewards from the Golden Rule - Part 3

Why should anyone take the Golden Rule seriously? The Golden Rule negates selfishness, but moreover it saves a person from himself. "Do unto others" means extending yourself to others.  It means giving yourself to others, not only giving, but giving with the right attitude.

In his book, Thanks Be unto God, Robert Rodenmayer offers three kinds of giving: grudge giving, duty giving, and thanksgiving. “Grudge giving says, ‘I hate to;’ duty giving says, ‘I ought to;’ thanksgiving says, ‘I want to.’ Grudge giving comes with restraint, duty giving says I’m obligated, thanksgiving is done with a heart of gratitude and opens the gate to God’s love."

Link "do unto others" as giving with thanksgiving because it pleases God. It expresses gratitude for the blessings God has extended to you. It creates feelings of goodness in your heart and soul. You’re richer because it's collects treasures kept safe in heaven by God for you. It's an alternative to rage, stress, and the cares of life.