The Oxygen of Existence: Gratitude and the Glory of God
Isaac Megbolugbe
December 2, 2025
Gratitude is the oxygen of existence, reminding us of our dependence on God, the self-existent Creator. It’s a vital aspect of our relationship with Him, acknowledging Him as the giver and benefactor of all blessings.
The Root of Ingratitude
Ingratitude stems from self-idolatry, a deadly sin that darkens our hearts and leads to futile thinking (Romans 1:21). When we fail to acknowledge God as our benefactor, we rob Him of the glory He deserves.
The Nature of Gratitude
Gratitude springs from recognizing God’s goodness and greatness. It magnifies Him as the source of our blessings, acknowledging our dependence on Him. When we express gratitude, we admit our need for God and give Him the glory He deserves.
The Obstacle to Gratitude
Our natural inclination is to love our own glory, making it difficult to magnify God (John 5:44). We resist admitting our helplessness, preferring to rely on our own strength. This self-sufficiency hinders genuine gratitude and glorification of God.
The Path to Gratitude
Jesus invites us to come to Him as sinners, acknowledging our need for a Savior (Mark 2:17). When we surrender our self-sufficiency, we can experience genuine gratitude, recognizing God as our benefactor and giver of life.
The Benefits of Gratitude
Gratitude:
1. Magnifies God: Acknowledges His greatness and goodness.
2. Fosters dependence: Recognizes our need for God.
3. Promotes humility: Admits our limitations and weaknesses.
4. Leads to worship: Focuses our hearts on God’s glory.
Cultivating Gratitude
To cultivate gratitude, we must:
1. Recognize God’s goodness: Acknowledge His blessings and provision.
2. Admit our need: Surrender our self-sufficiency and acknowledge our dependence on God.
3. Focus on God’s glory: Prioritize His greatness and goodness.
As we cultivate gratitude, we’ll experience a deeper relationship with God, and our lives will reflect His glory.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, retired professor at Johns Hopkins University, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.
