The last five years have seen a flurry of articles written on what has been called the “Me generations” or “millennials” – those born between 1980 and 2000. Social studies – along with specific polling, has revealed an acute deficiency among these generations not generally found in the preceding generations. They lack thankfulness. That being said, many millennials would disagree. Not that they lack thankfulness, but that such should be viewed as a problem (or deficiency). The “new thinking” is that thankfulness is a hindrance – or mental obstacle that keeps people from truly being happy, successful or pursuing a more meaningful path in life. Ironically, suicide and depression have plagued these generations more than any prior. Equally so, the work ethic and perseverance necessary to upward movement in career or the business world has proven to be the worst among the Me generations. That being said, millennials are not the only ones affected. The predominance of such thinking has also influenced older generations. We are progressively becoming a “Me America”, a place where thankfulness no longer exists. Unfortunately, ignorance as to what constitutes and secures thankfulness – as well as what God teaches to be the consequences of lacking thankfulness, have caused not a few Christians to follow this destructive path. Hence the reason for this study on the subject of Thankfulness.

“Gratitude [Thankfulness] is the alpha, the point from which all virtues must begin…it is the heavyweight champion of virtues” –Jonathan Last (Author of The Seven Deadly Virtues)

“Ingratitude is the most horrible and unnatural crime that a person is capable of committing.” – David Hume (18th century Scottish philosopher)

“No other vice is so hostile to the harmony of the human race as ingratitude.” – Seneca (Ancient Roman philosopher)