Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful—Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)
I recently found myself complaining, and I had to stop, look around and count my blessings, considering how much I had to be thankful for. Especially for those that encouraged me, supported me in my journey, for the food I had to eat, the roof over my head, friends who checked on me, neighbours that come by to see if I needed anything, and the list went on. I remembered that Jesus expected me to show Him my gratitude, which helped me to get back on track. I also know there are times we will neglect to show our gratitude, I know I do. The ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ is a state of mind, and a personal effort, which can turn a negative into a positive.
How are you showing gratitude in these uncertain times? How is our gratitude towards God and others? Are we focused on what we don’t have, or are we being thankful for what we do have? We can get so caught up with the challenges in our day to day lives, that we forget just how blessed we are, forgetting we still have a lot to be thankful for.
Even when we don’t understand, we need to make that choice. We can complain about our situation, what we don’t have, or what we don’t like, and even what we want to do, or can’t do, but that doesn’t change anything. Instead, showing gratitude in whatever situation we are in, is the right attitude to have.
The Apostle Paul echoed this: “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Notice he didn’t say “for” everything (or circumstance), rather “in” everything. We may not be thankful for the circumstances, but we can be thankful in the circumstances.
Let’s also be thankful when we don’t have everything we want, because it may cause us problems in our relationship with God. Let’s be thankful in the difficult times, they can help us to grow stronger. He deserves our gratitude each and everyday He brings us through.
The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 shows men who all did as instructed in order to be healed, and then nine of them went their separate ways. Perhaps they left to celebrate their healing, or intended to share the good news with their loved ones, or were just eager to rejoin society and begin their new lives; we don’t know. The tenth leper likely had similar plans. But he had something else to do first. According to Luke 17:15-16, he alone “returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at [Jesus’] feet, giving Him thanks.” Jesus was moved by the man’s response. Will we do the same?
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