How Serious Is Ingratitude?

It's Thanksgiving eve, and of course, everyone has to say something about Thanksgiving. Romans 1:18-32 says the wicked failed to acknowledge God or give thanks. Then follows an extensive list of sins which flow from their ingratitude. That passage includes a statement that God gave them up to these sins. In Numbers 11-14 (at least those chapters), we see that the children of Israel complained often, then rebelled. God then condemned them to wander in the wilderness until all of them died, except Joshua and Caleb. Judging from those two passages alone, I'd say ingratitude is deadly. Scripture is full of exhortations to rejoice and give thanks. God is worthy to be praised, no matter what. In Africa, I was amazed at missionaries who missed people and things at home. I spent so much time enjoying the people, experiences, and things the Lord gave me in Africa, that I didn't have time to miss anything or anyone at home. Why spend so much time and energy desiring what you don't have? Adam and Eve did, and got themselves and us into big trouble.