The Greatest Evidence of a Spirit-Filled Life

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.”

Hebrews 12:28-29 (NASB)

As a Pastor, I’m often asked what is the greatest evidence of a Spirit-filled life? There are actually arguments and major divisions denominationally over that question. Without getting into all the opinions, I will simply share what I see as the most profound Biblical evidence for demonstrable Spirit-filled living. It also characterizes a life of faith. What is it? You may be guessing love and while love is the greatest fruit of the Spirit, I believe gratitude expresses the fullness of the Spirit in the life of a believer more than any gift of the Spirit. 

People with grateful hearts live with an attitude of gratitude! They seem to have a magnetic attraction that draws us closer to God. Do you have a grateful heart? When was the last time you said thank you to someone and expressed your appreciation for them? Thanksgiving reminds us to show gratitude for all that God and others have done for us and mean to us, but it should never be limited to a single season or celebration. The writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe….” 

Consider your life for a moment. Do you show gratitude? God loves a grateful heart. Gratitude demonstrates humility and allows me to recognize that it is God who has enabled me to be where I am and have what I have today. In contrast, Paul describes the perilous times that will come in the last days, and among the laundry list of evil behaviors he describes, there is one word that seems to be out of place. Look at it in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT):

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”

Did you notice the word that seems out of place? Among the 19 or 20 descriptions that Paul uses to characterize the difficult times in the last days, he listed the word “ungrateful.” A lack of gratitude doesn’t seem to be that heinous a crime. So what? The truth is that ingratitude is at the root of all the other sins listed in the last days. An ungrateful heart assumes that I am the sole explanation for all that I am and have! That is pride. It is egocentric. When my life is Christ centered and Spirit filled, I have a grateful heart! Maybe it’s time to pray for a grateful heart. Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit until you leak gratitude! It will blow your family away when they see your kindness expressed with a grateful heart. The Bible calls this our “acceptable service….” in Hebrews 12:28 (NASB)

Let’s get practical. How can you begin to show gratitude? Make a list of those for whom you are grateful and let them know how much you appreciate them. Express your gratitude to God. Give thanks for all that He has done. Be specific in your praise. The Psalmist said that we enter the gates of Heaven with thanksgiving, but we enter God’s courts with praise! Discover the power of praise with a grateful heart! Show gratitude with reverence and awe as you worship this weekend at church.

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To read this devotional online or catch up on past ones, visit kerryshook.org/blog.

As you continue your quiet time, prayer is a powerful way to stay connected to God and the family of Christ. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board offers a simple space to lift others in prayer and let them know you are standing with them. You can also share your own request and receive prayer support whenever you need it.

Another way to bless others is through giving. This season, we’re celebrating how God is moving in the next generation by placing a Bible in the hands of every student connected to Kerry Shook Ministries. If you’d like to learn more, you can visit: Be Part of Growing Faith That Endures.