Thanksgiving can be Contagious

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might
through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
(2 Corinthians 4.15 - King James Version)

You know what’s just as contagious as influenza, hepatitis or chicken pox? 

Attitude, that’s what.

A sour attitude can be contagious.  In Moses’ day, the people of Israel murmured and murmured until the whole lot of them had a poor outlook on things. Have you ever been effected by someone else’s dour and glum disposition?

God told Moses to send twelve scouts to go and check out the land of Canaan, God’s promised land. (Numbers chapter 13) They went as they were commanded to do. Ten of those men came back with a disagreeable mindset. “They were giants. We are not able to go up against these people, for they are stronger than we.” This, in spite of the fact that God said he would give it to them.

Two of those men, Joshua and Caleb, stood against the tide, saying, “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.”

This was not enough to overcome the negativity of the ten which also affected the thousands of Israel who lifted up their voices and cried, “Too bad we didn’t die in Egypt or in the wilderness. It would be better than this.” They were afraid that their children would become a prey to these massive men.

Ironically, all those men died in the wilderness but their children were able to go into the land of Canaan – forty years later, along with Joshua and Caleb. It doesn’t pay to allow others to incite you into a sorry attitude. Don’t let the contagion of contempt contaminate you.

However, an attitude of joy, peace and love can also be contagious.

A dear old preacher told about how he went into a restaurant full of somber people. No one talked or laughed. They just sat there. When he entered, the owner, who knew him, said something to him to which he replied cheerfully and clear with a sense of humor. The whole crowd laughed at what he said. Immediately the place was abuzz with conversation and cheer.

This illustrates how your good attitude can impact others positively. One of the greatest ways to accomplish this is through thankfulness.

Young’s Literal Translation of the bible renders 2 Corinthians 4.15 (quoted atop of the page), in this manner:

For the all things are because of you, that the grace having been multiplied, because of the thanksgiving of the more, may abound to the glory of God;

“Grace having been multiplied because of the thanksgiving of the more,” shows that when some began to show a thankful attitude and thus speak thankfully, that this influenced more and more people. It was a revival of thanksgiving. That’s what I’m hoping to accomplish by writing this series. I think if we will grow in our thankful disposition that others will too. They will begin to notice just how good they have it in life, especially in understanding God’s multifaceted grace.

            Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised. (Psalm 48.1)

As we see God’s greatness and praise him greatly, giving thanks, people will catch on.

He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. (Psalm 40:3)

Join me in prayer that God will grant unto us a thankful heart and that the expression of our thanks would catch on to our families, neighbors, friends and community.