Consequences of Unthankfulness?

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened (KJV)

Romans chapter one contains some of the darkest imagery of the New Testament. It starts out with Paul talking about his eagerness to preach the gospel to those at Rome. But then it shifts gears rather quickly and begans to speak of the depravity of human behavior when left on its own course. Let me share just a little more from this passage if I may:

Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 1:23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 1:30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 1:31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Are you getting depressed yet? Perhaps seeing some similarities to our own society? Time and space will not allow me to dive into this passage and give talking points on each verse. That's not the intent of my blog entry today- I just want you to pay close attention to the first few words that I posted at the top of today's entry "they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful".

Now perhaps I'm reading too much into the text and bringing my own biases into the equation. But doesn't it seem ironic that the progression of evil that is described in verses 21-32 starts out with unthankfulness and a lack of praise to God? We tend to categorize sins as big ones or little ones. These seemlingly "little" sins (if I can make that distinction-I'm speaking in foolish terms here so please indulge me) appear to lead to great big sinful problems. An unthankful heart might seem like a rather mild spiritual malady, but if left unchecked, perhaps we see a glimpse of what it can "evolve" into.

Just some thoughts to muse on today- feel free to add your own opinion :)

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