Democracy has many benefits but historians tell us the citizens are not a grateful lot. Winston Churchill led the free world through the most perilous time of the 20^th century but WWII had barely ended when the British people turned him out of office in favor of a candidate who promised a more socialistic government.

In 1978 Donna and I bought our first home at an interest rate of 11.9 %. But that was a good rate. A real estate agent friend sold a home at 19%. And that wasn't isolated. Salaries were low but unemployment and inflation were high. America was at a political low as well. The American embassy in Iran was invaded and American employees suffered a humiliating hostage situation for over 400 days.

Since that time we've been privileged to live in a country that has led the world in change. Despite its weaknesses the U.S. has been a bastion of freedom. When President Reagan spoke in front of the Berlin wall, contrary to his advisors counsel he challenged the second most powerful man in front of the entire world. "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." And when the wall came down we learned, among other things, that East Berlin was the most polluted place on earth. Even the most hardened skeptics were shocked by what was hidden behind the wall. The only place nearly that bad was the Soviet Union.

For centuries it has been part of the American psyche to recognize God as the source of blessings. But that is diminishing. Because we don't give thanks for what God has given us, we lose an appreciation for the system of justice at the core or our culture. The homogenization of American culture means the loss of leadership. When leaders become like everyone else, they aren't leaders.

And it all starts from a loss of gratitude. The Prophet Isaiah said, "Cattle know who owns them, and donkeys know where their master feeds them. But that is more than my people Israel know. They don't understand at all." (Isaiah 1:2-3)

To add insult to injury, man not only forgets, he gives credit to those who don't deserve it. After the Israelites witnessed first hand, the most dramatic miracles in history, they quickly created a golden calf to replace God. But that wasn't enough. "These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." (Exodus 32:8 KJV)

What!?! How could they think this calf had brought them out of Egypt? Because their concern for self outweighed their gratitude for blessings received.

How did God react to this? Well, it seems extreme but God refers to himself as a jealous God. In fact He says "the LORD, whose name is Jealous" (Exodus 34:14). We're aware of Yahweh and Jehovah but rarely do we hear of this name.

Gratitude is not a natural expression of man. It is learned. Adults have a responsibility to teach it to children. When we congregate as a group to worship God tomorrow, let us give thanks. Man needs a day to remember his source of blessings.

Until next time,