Ephesians 5:17-20 NLT‬
[17] “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. [18] Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, [19] singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. [20] And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

There is a little addendum to Paul’s ‘therefore’s’ that kickstarts the process of becoming like Jesus. Unlike God’s children in the wilderness, we are to exude gratitude and thanksgiving from every pore of our beings.

Ingratitude, complaining, grumbling, murmuring against God and His people is rebellion which enfuriates Him. Every time Israel murmured against Moses, another judgment fell on the Israelites because God Himself was their real target.

Forgetting is the main symptom of ingratitude. Moses, in his messages to Israel before his death, repeatedly urged them to remember what God had done. Both in Egypt, against the Egyptians and for them, and in the wilderness for forty years, He had protected and provided for them.

Their complaints were selfish and materialistic. They lost sight of their destination and thought only of their lack of creature comforts. Their faith in God only lasted until the next test.

Their grumbling climaxed in their refusal to enter the Promised Land despite Joshua and Caleb’s assurances that God was with them. That entire generation died in the wilderness because of their rebellion.

‭Numbers 14:1-4, 9-12 NLT‬
[1] Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. [2] Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they complained. [3] “Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” [4] Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!”
[9] Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” [10] But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the Tabernacle. [11] And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them? [12] I will disown them and destroy them with a plague. Then I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are!”

How many of God’s people follow in their footsteps. There is always something to offend them, someone who gets in their way to the top, some situation or person who doesn’t please them, even some teaching that doesn’t suit them. Their ingratitude is infectious, casting a shadow over the fellowship and unity in the church.

Grumblers and complainers sow dissention. Paul and John have one answer for dissenters because dissenters have a dangerous influence over the church… “Kick them out! Have nothing to do with them. Don’t tolerate their presence in the fellowship of the church!”

‭Romans 16:17-18 NLT‬
[17] “And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. [18] Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.”

Paul`s counsel to the church is simple.

‭Philippians 2:14-16 NLT‬
[14]” Do everything WITHOUT COMPLAINING and ARGUING , [15] so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. [16] Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.”

‭Philippians 3:1 NLT‬
[1]” Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, REJOICE in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.”

‭1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT‬
[18]”BE THANKFUL in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

‭1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT‬
[31]”So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the GLORY of GOD .”

‭Colossians 3:15, 17 NLT‬
[15] “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And ALWAYS BE THANKFUL .
[17] And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS through him to God the Father.”

Paul’s teaching and counsel are always coloured by the instruction to have a thankful heart. Gratitude to God in every circumstance changes our perspective. Even if life goes horribly wrong, God is still in charge; He has a purpose in everything that happens; He works, in all things, for our good.

Giving thanks in all circumstances guards us against rebellion. Gratitude helps us to remember, enhances our awareness of God, puts Him in the centre of our existence, and keeps us in touch with our future. If things are going wrong now, it’s only temporary because we have a great future ahead of us.

‭2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT‬
[18] “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

So, says Paul, cultivate a grateful heart and you will be safe from the influence of people who are never satisfied. You will remain in God’s love.

Remember, thanksgiving is the language of faith.