Elements of Gratefulness

1. Lesson Goals

1. Realize that we ultimately depend on God for all things.
2. Become more aware of the debt of gratitude we owe to God, our parents, our leaders and our community.
3. Change our behavior to become sincerely more active in our thankfulness.

1. Brief Skit

1. "The Spoiled Brat" – See Appendix 1.
2. Critique of skit – general discussion.

1. Lesson Elements

1. What is Gratefulness?

1. Communicating to others the precise ways in which they have benefited my life and looking for ways to honor them.
2. 1 Corinthians 4:7 - For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1. How does God command gratefulness?

1. Be grateful to God – Psalm 69:30 - I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
2. Be grateful to our parents –

1. Ephesians 6:2-3 - "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise-- "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
2. II Timothy 3:2 - People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

1. Be grateful for your conscience – II Timothy 1:3 - I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
2. Be grateful to your church elders I Timothy 5:17 - The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
3. Be grateful to your civil authorities – I Peter 2:17 - Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
4. Be grateful to your employer – I Timothy 6:1 - All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered.

1. How did Jesus demonstrate gratefulness?

1. He thanked God – John 11:41 - So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
2. He thanked His parents.

A. Mark 7:10-13 - For Moses said, `Honor your father and your mother,' and, `Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' 11 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: `Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

B. John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27 and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

3. He honored His conscience – Luke 7:36-50 – Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner." 40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. 41 "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. 44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." 48 Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
4. He honored His elders – Mark 1:40-44 – A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." 41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. 43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them."
5. He honored His rulers – Matthew 17:24-27 - After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" 25 "Yes, he does," he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own sons or from others?" 26 "From others," Peter answered. "Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. 27 "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."
6. He honored employers – Matthew 20:1-16 - "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. 3 "About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, `You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' 5 So they went. "He went out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did the same thing. 6 About the eleventh hour he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, `Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?' 7 "`Because no one has hired us,' they answered. "He said to them, `You also go and work in my vineyard.' 8 "When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, `Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.' 9 "The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 `These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, `and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.' 13 "But he answered one of them, `Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?' 16 "So the last will be first, and the first will be last
7. How does a smile relate to gratefulness?

1. Smiles are contageous
2. Smiles are free
3. Smiles make you and others feel good – Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

1. How do chickadees illustrate gratefulness?

1. A bright song during cold and dark days.
2. A song when other birds are silent.
3. Variety in the way they communicate cheer. Proverbs 27:14 - If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.

1. How does redirecting praise conquer pride?

1. Thank the one who praises you.
2. Praise the one who thanks you.
3. Recognize those who helped you.
4. Distinguish praise from flattery.

1. Who in history demonstrated gratefulness?

1. The Grateful Leper Luke 17:11-19 – Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" 14 When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him--and he was a Samaritan. 17 Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" 19 Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
2. King Ahasuerus – Esther 6 – That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him. 2 It was found recorded there that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. 3 "What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?" the king asked. "Nothing has been done for him," his attendants answered. 4 The king said, "Who is in the court?" Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows he had erected for him. 5 His attendants answered, "Haman is standing in the court." "Bring him in," the king ordered. 6 When Haman entered, the king asked him, "What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?" Now Haman thought to himself, "Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?" 7 So he answered the king, "For the man the king delights to honor, 8 have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest placed on its head. 9 Then let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the king's most noble princes. Let them robe the man the king delights to honor, and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, `This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'" 10 "Go at once," the king commanded Haman. "Get the robe and the horse and do just as you have suggested for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king's gate. Do not neglect anything you have recommended." 11 So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai, and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, "This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!" 12 Afterward Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief, 13 and told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, "Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has started, is of Jewish origin, you cannot stand against him--you will surely come to ruin!" 14 While they were still talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and hurried Haman away to the banquet Esther had prepared.
3. The Apostle Paul.

1. Acts 9 - Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" 5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. 11 The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight." 13 "Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." 17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. 23 After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. 32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. 34 "Aeneas," Peter said to him, "Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
2. Philippians 4:10 - I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

1. What is the key to gratefulness?

1. The more we realize how indebted we are to God and deserving of nothing but eternal judgement, the more grateful we will be for the many ways He and others benefit us.
2. Luke 7:41-43 - "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
3. Exodus 20 – And God spoke all these words: 2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 "You shall have no other gods before me. 4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 13 "You shall not murder. 14 "You shall not commit adultery. 15 "You shall not steal. 16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
4. John 3:1-17 – Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." 3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." 4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" 5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, `You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." 9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. 10 "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
5. Prayer – God, I recognize that I am a great sinner and deserving of eternal judgement. I thank you for sending Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for all my sin, and I do now receive Him as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for hearing this prayer and for giving me eternal life.

1. How to express gratefulness to God.

1. List the daily ways God benefits us.
2. Recall God’s help during crises.
3. Turn gratefulness into a song – Psalm 28:7 - The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
4. Learn and praise the names of God.

1. Lord God Almighty.
2. Creator of Heaven and Earth
3. The God of Our Salvation
4. The God Who Changes Not.

1. Give thanks for the hardships of life. Job 1:21 - and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
2. Thank God when you are not thankful.

1. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
2. Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose

1. Tell others how God has benefited you. Psalm 107:2 - Let the redeemed of the LORD say this-- those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
2. Gratefulness to God Checklist.

1. I list the ways God benefits my life.
2. I recall the help God gave me during past crises.
3. I turn my gratefulness into a song or letter.
4. I learn and praise the names of God.
5. I express gratefulness for the handicaps of life.
6. I thank God even when I do not feel thankful.
7. I tell others how God has benefited my life.

1. How to be grateful to our parents.

1. Honor the sacrifices of our parents.
2. Cherish what our parents have taught.
3. Choose to sit with our parents in public.
4. Choose to dress for our parents.
5. Redirect praise to our parents.
6. Celebrate our parents’ special days.
7. Give our parents a grateful and obedient smile. Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
8. Gratefulness to Parents Checklist for Parents to Fill Out: Our son or daughtor:

1. Honors our sacrifices.
2. Values what we have taught.
3. Sits with us in public meetings.
4. Dresses for us rather than friends.
5. Redirects praise to us.
6. Celebrates anniversaries.
7. Gives us a cheerful smile.
8. Thanks us when we correct him or her.
9. Looks for ways to please us.

1. How to be grateful to our conscience.

1. Recognize the vital importance of our conscience.
2. Heed the voice of our conscience.
3. Maintain a journal of thankfulness.
4. Conscience Gratefulness Checklist.

1. I appreciate the value of my conscience.
2. I honor the voice of my conscience.
3. I maintain a journal of my gratefulness.

1. How to be grateful to our elders.

1. Praise elders for dedication. 1 Timothy 5:17 - The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
2. Be committed to our elders’ success.
3. Show gratefulness to our elders’ wives.
4. Encourage our elders’ children.
5. Affirm our elders’ ministries.
6. Protect our elders’ priorities.
7. Praise our elders’ Biblical standards.
8. Elders’ Gratefulness Checklist.

1. I praise my elders for their dedication.
2. I am committed to my elders’ success.
3. I express gratefulness to my elders’ wives.
4. I give encouragement to my elders’ children.
5. I affirm my elders’ ministries.
6. I protect my elders’ priorities.
7. I praise my elders’ Biblical standards.

1. How to be grateful to Civil Authorities.

1. Trust in God’s control over rulers.

1. Romans 13 – Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
2. Psalm 75:7 – But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.
3. Proverbs 21:1 - The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

1. Thank rulers for their protection. 1 Peter 2:13-14 - Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
2. Know the function of your authorities.
3. Thank God for your civil authorities.
4. Work to make your authorities successful.
5. Civil Authorities Checklist.

1. I trust God to work through civil authorities.
2. I thank law officers for their protection.
3. I am grateful for the services of public officials.
4. I pray for my civil authorities.
5. I look for ways to make authorities successful.

1. How to be grateful to our employers.

1. Be an energy giver.
2. Applaud the founder’s sacrifices.
3. Keep your eye on the job, not on the clock. Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
4. Don’t learn and leave.
5. Take note of fringe benefits.
6. Look for ways to save money.
7. Purpose to make your boss successful.
8. Employees Gratefulness Checklist.

1. I am an energy giver.
2. I applaud the founder’s sacrifices.
3. I keep my eye on the job, not on the clock.
4. I return benefit for the training I received.
5. I express gratefulness for fringe benefits.
6. I look for ways to save money.
7. I purpose to make my boss successful.

1. What qualities must balance gratefulness.

1. With loyalty.
2. With thoroughness.
3. With punctuality.
4. With sincerity.
5. With Love.

1. Video Tape – Talk-back – "Interview With Al Turnhart" – See Appendix 2.

V. Gratefulness Flash Cards – See Appendix 3.

6. Gratefulness Songs.

1. Praise Him
2. Awesome God
3. Step by Step
4. This is the Day
5. Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
6. Majesty

6. Craft

1. Gratefulness Journal.

6. Summary & Dismissal

1. Recap of Goals
2. Recap of Main Points

Appendix 1

The Spoiled Brat – A Skit.

Spoiled Brat enters area, throws himself on the ground and turns on imaginary TV. Mom calls. SB ignores. Mom calls again. SB answers with bad attitude: "I’m busy watching TV!!". Mom says: "Please take out the garbage." SB says: "No way momma, can’t you see I’m watching my favorite show!!". Mom says: "Please take out the garbage. It’s full, I’m making dinner, and it smells bad!!" SB gets up, throws his hat across the room and stomps loudly to the garbage.

Appendix 2

Interview With Al Turnhart

Interviewer: "This is Dizmo P. Nervewracker with Denny B.C. News channel -3, El Dorado. Over the years many people have lived their entire lives in sincere gratitude. Big Al Turnhart, however, is not one of those people. This does not mean, though, that Big Al is not grateful. Our research has indicated that Al was as filled with selfishness, greed and self-centeredness as the dark side of our culture can produce. He was this way until he experienced a catharsis deep within the heart of the dark continent: Africa. Now Big Al has earned the name Big by means of countless acts of gratefulness to those whom have helped him over the years. Many of us who know Big Al have wondered over this drastic change in his actions and attitude. Toward the end of understanding this remarkable change, we have contacted Big Al via the modern miracle of satellite communications and have arranged an exclusive interview with him"

Interviewer: "Big Al, are you there?"

Big Al: "Yeah, I can hear you, Denny."

Interviewer: "Big Al, you have recently been celebrated by your peers, teachers, and friends as being a great person and the epitome of gratefulness. To what personal quality do you owe this great success?"

Big Al: " Any success that I have enjoyed over the years is the direct result of the blessings of God. My parents, bless their souls were very good to me and provided their best in the way of upbringing and instruction. My teachers worked very hard to give me an excellent education. I have also been fortunate to be born and raised in the richest, safest and most free country in the universe. So you see, if you think highly of me, it is only due to the rich blessings God has bestowed upon me in the circumstances of my life."

Interviewer: "This seems to be quite a change from the "Big Al Turnhart" of legend. The Big Al we have known until recently lived by the motto "Greed is good, it drives us to excellence." Do you have a new motto? If so, what is it?

Big Al: "My new motto is: "Love God with everything that you are and love your neighbor as yourself."

Interviewer: "The love God part is fairly easy to understand. But with the new world order of mass communication, we each have the potential of over 5 ½ billion neighbors. How is it possible to love 5 ½ billion people?

Big Al: "Well, Dizmo, gratefulness has a lot to do with it. If we honor those to whom we owe a debt, not only will those who have helped us be more inclined to help us again, but those who who have not helped us will see the good example we have set and maybe some day when they are ready, be willing to help someone. Whenever we act in gratefulness we are pleasing to God, and helping the world be a better place. Being grateful is a reutrun of the act of love. Our parents, teachers and bosses, after we get jobs will feel better about us and about God when we act with gratefulness."

Inteviewer: "Al, there are detractors. Many say that your acts of so-called gratefulness are just a scam to lure the unsuspecting to give you an advantage that you will later use to make a pot full of money. They often use the example of your great elephant hunt scheme to illustrate the true state of your heart."

Big Al: "I honestly don’t some people for being wary. Once bitten, twice shy. The truly amazing thing is, though, the number of people that I have had the opportunity to be grateful to since I saw the light. And then there are those that we often overlook. We say it is their job to help us – but that doesn’t mean we don’t owe them a debt of gratitude. What kind of world would it be without police to protect us, grocery clerks to bag our groceries, construction workers to build roads and buildings and bridges, untility workers for electricity and gas, governement workers to give our world order, church workers, teachers, fathers, mothers, big brothers, little brothers, balony slicers, sewer workers, farmers, hat makers, tooth-pick makers and toy manufacturers? Let’s not forget that all those people make our life richer, easier and more fulfilling. And every one of them has helped me before I learned to be grateful and since I have learned to be grateful. Only now, maybe they feel a little better about the contribution they make."

Interviewer: "What tips for promoting gratefulness can you share with us today?"

Big Al: "Don’t forget the little things. Say please and thank you. Don’t insist on having your own way. Spend time with people. Don’t speak harshly when things go wrong. It really doesn’t take a lot. An you will find that as you practice being grateful, it will come easier. And you will notice a change in the attitudes people have toward you. And the world will be slightly better place. And God will bless you deeper than you can imagine."

Interviewer: "Well, Big Al, that’s about all the time we have today. Thank you for your comments, I’m sure we’ll all take them to heart." "This is Dizmo P. Nervewracker with Denny B C news."

Off Camera voice: "The opinions you have heard expressed today are exclusively those of the individuals interviewed and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this station or its management."

Appendix 3

Gratefulness Flash Cards

Q. I am grateful that my kids are safe and learning about Jesus.A. Our Parents.Q. I am grateful that I can serve God at Camp.A. Our Camp Councilors.Q. I am grateful that our country is doing well and is not at war.

A. The president.

Q. I am grateful that the Soviet Union decided to become our friend rather than our enemy.

A. George Bush/Ronald Reagan

Q. I am grateful when my kids do their chores without a fight.

A. Our parents.

Q. I am grateful that people come to church on Sunday morning.

A. Our Pastors.

Q. I am grateful when children do their homework.

A. Teachers.

Q. I am grateful when people say they like the food.A. Cafeteria workers.

Q. I am grateful that I can come to camp each year.

A. Denny & Judy

Q. I am grateful that your church supports our missionary work.

A. Missionaries.

Q. I am grateful that people help us with groceries.

1. Recipients of Brown Bag Sunday.

Q. I am grateful that my parents take care of me.

A. Children

Q. I am grateful that teachers teach me.

A. Students.

Q. I am grateful for that Jesus died on the cross for me.

A. All of us.

Q. I am grateful for the sunshine and rain.

A. Flowers.

I. Lesson Goals

1. Realize that we ultimately depend on God for all things.
2. Become more aware of the debt of gratitude we owe to God, our parents, our leaders and our community.
3. Change our behavior to become sincerely more active in our thankfulness.

2. Brief Skit

1. "The Spoiled Brat" – See Appendix 1.
2. Critique of skit – general discussion.

2. General Discussion of Gratefulness

1. Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
2. Who Cares?
3. Why should we be grateful?
4. Who should we be grateful to?

2. Video Tape – Talk Back – "Interview With Al Turnhart" – See Appendix 2.
3. Gratefulness Flash Cards – See Appendix 3.
4. Gratefulness Songs.

1. Praise Him
2. Awesome God
3. Step by Step
4. This is the Day
5. Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
6. Majesty

2. Craft

1. Gratefulness Journal.

2. Summary & Dismissal

A. Recap of Goals

1. Recap of Main Points