You might not think it’s much of a sin — but it may be bigger than you imagine!  Romans 1:21, speaking of those upon whom the wrath of God rightly falls, says: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks …”.  One of the first descriptions of those who reject God is that they did NOT give thanks.  Is that really such a big deal?  

It is revealing that ingratitude is listed as one of the first symptoms of the life that rebels against God: “they did not … give thanks.”  Giving thanks to God is one of the primary acts of worship commended throughout  scripture. It is fundamental: it demonstrates that we recognize that all we have and are has been given to us by the Creator, and that we owe Him everything. To NOT give thanks is to reject all of the fundamentals of true religion.

This may hit closer to home than some of us would like. This means that when we, who profess to worship God, are not thankful, we are acting just like unbelievers!

— This could be true in a small way: as when we forget to give thanks for a meal.

— But it is also true on an even larger scale: when we neglect to be grateful for the immense blessings God has given us in Christ.  It is a sign of how ungodly and unbelieving we still are at heart.  How many little problems bother us, which are NOTHING compared to the treasures God has given us?  We have every reason to walk in continual gratitude — which is just what scripture commands us to do.

So when we don’t give thanks, it is no “little” thing.  It is one of the best indicators of our true heart condition.