This statement by Jesus has become somewhat of an idiom in Western culture and has been used in several speeches by political figures.  Paraphrased, in Uncle Ben's words of wisdom to Peter Parker in Spiderman: "With great power comes great responsibility."

My thoughts on this demand given by Jesus is not that he was trying to scare and intimidate us into a frozen state of inactivity but on the contrary was trying to motivate and inspire.  

Being grateful is acceptance in it's purest form and sets in motion a state of mind that is both calm and alert-this state of mind is optimal for peak performance.

When we start our day focused on being grateful for even the small things, our perspective changes from a perspective of entitlement (the world owes me big) to a perspective of -how can I contribute?  We then feel free of fear and can contribute by using our gifts (financial resources, physical talents, musicality, knowledge, time etc) to love and to serve.  

Acknowledging our gifts and then accepting responsibility for them is a win-win for all.