Which of These Is Not Like the Other?

2 Timothy 3:1–5

Giving thanks is a verbal expression of a grateful heart; speaking complaints is a verbal expression of a discontented heart.

 “And whatever you do… giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17 ESV).

The highest concentration of complaints in scripture occurs in the Exodus story, where complaints created an environment of fear and lack that robbed them of their faith.

“…and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them” (Num. 13:33 ESV).

We need to realize that our culture feeds us with discontent, which will rob us of a grateful heart.

“The eye is the lamp of the body…” (Matt. 6:22–23 ESV).

You can test the condition of your heart by observing what comes out of your mouth.

“…for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45 ESV).

The discipline and practice of thanksgiving conditions a heart of gratitude.

“Give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thess. 5:18 ESV).

“Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips…” (Isa. 6:5 NIV).