Be Thankful
The Bible tells us that we will find more and more people who, among other repelling traits, will be unthankful. Appreciation and gratitude are beneath those who are drunk on prosperity and entitlement.
“…When he saw that he was healed he returned to Jesus and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks…” (Luke 17:15,16)
Ten lepers had come to Jesus desperate and in need. Jesus healed them all.
Only one returns to thank Him.
‘Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”
The nine were eager to ask but slow to adore. Quick to pray but slow to give praise. They ‘deserved’ God’s blessing.
Is the same true of you? Eager to ‘get’ blessed, not so eager to ‘give’ thanks?
What have you thanked Him for lately? What do you have that God has not given? Are you thankful for your wife, your parents, your employees? Do they know it? If not, then thanks has not been given.
“One when he saw that he was healed, returned to Jesus and with a loud voice…” Thanksgiving is not an internal appreciation. Gratitude is given…to someone, or there has been no thanks-giving.
Do you sit down at the table without thanking God for providing the food? No thanks before enjoying God’s provision? Sad.
Do you gulp it down and leave the table without thanking the cook? Shame on you! Thank your wife. Hug her. Kiss her, you big oaf!
Jesus said, “Were there not any others who would give thanks and glory to God? ‘Arise and go your way. Your faith has made you whole.”
God rewards a thankful heart. And gratitude glorifies God. “Thank You.” is our purest response. “Thank You” our only currency of worth.
In a season where we magnify the many reasons to be thankful, let us thank God that we are recipients of blessings that far outweigh our merit to earn or our means to repay.
