Attitude Of Gratitude

Nov 27, 2021

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that, I still possess.”

- Corrie ten Boom

Thanksgiving should really be celebrated every day of the year. No, I don’t mean eating until you can’t move! But the attitude of gratitude! Jesus tells a story about how easy it is to forget to be grateful in Luke 17:11-19:

It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”

They went, and while still on their way, became clean. One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?” Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.” (MSG)

Of the ten that Jesus healed of their disease, only one went back to thank Him. And that was the ‘outsider’, the Samaritan. The Jews were physically healed; the Samaritan received grace AND physical healing. He saw Jesus as not just a healer, but the Messiah!

How often do we respond to Jesus like the Jews?

Do we take for granted our salvation? I know at times I do.

When we’re tired or frustrated with someone. When we lose the job or the house gets foreclosed. When we learn our spouse is unfaithful. When our child is suspended from school… again.

Friends, it’s easy to look at the day-to-day frustrations of life and focus on what we don’t have, rather than all of the gifts we’ve been given.

The gift of life, not just this side of heaven, but for all eternity; peace, joy, purpose and hope, just to name a few.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"

- Psalm 107:1

"I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High."

- Psalm 7:17

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

- Philippians 4:6

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

- Colossians 3:15

Will you join me in an attitude of gratitude? Not just this week, but every week. A gratitude journal is a great way to begin. If it’s easier, start a list on your phone. Watch what happens as your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers begin to see something different in you!