Want To Make Yourself Grateful? Here’s A Valuable Lesson

Want to become more grateful? Have you–like me–sometimes realized a deficiency in this area? A valuable lesson we all can learn from is embedded in the story of Jesus and the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19).

Most of us are familiar with the story. Ten lepers–who endured not only the painful and disgusting ravages of leprosy, but also being shunned by society–were healed by Jesus.

Wiped clean. No more sores. No more oozing flesh. No more shouting out “Unclean! Unclean!” as they traveled through populated areas.

But in spite of this miracle, only one of the ten returned to Jesus to say “thank you.”

An attitude of gratitude sometimes seems to be in short supply not only in our culture, but also in our lives. Maybe it’s because we sprint through life at hair-on-fire speeds, only slowing long enough to catch a few zzz’s before we hit it again. Maybe it’s because we’re so easily distracted by the millions of things vying for our attention with each second’s tick of the clock.

Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because we haven’t developed gratefulness in our hearts and lives.

We’ve all seen the Facebook memes around the Thanksgiving season where people use each day in November leading up to Thanksgiving Day to mention one thing for which they’re grateful. While this is a great practice and a good start to cultivating gratitude, I think there are some things we should remember first.

Are you grateful? To Who? Why? When? Join the #HappyThanksgiving discussion here:
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To Whom Are We Grateful?

It’s easy to say we’re grateful for (fill-in-the-blank). But who are we grateful to? Sometimes we forget to address the recipient of our gratitude, which is ultimately God.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. ~James 1:17

After all, if we mention our gratitude, but haven’t taken the time to connect it to a person, have we really accomplished anything worthwhile?

Why Are We To Be Grateful?

Easy answer. We’re commanded to do so. In fact, we’re to be grateful, no matter the circumstances. It’s even God’s will for us to be grateful! And does He deserve anything less than our gratitude? His love endures forever! He made a way for sinful man to return to God through Jesus Christ. He provides and protects. The list could literally go on and on.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~1 Thessalonians 5:18
When Are We To Be Grateful?

All. The. Time. Yes, it’s nice to be mindful for the reason behind Thanksgiving Day. But true thanksgiving doesn’t just occur one day a year. It should be a habit for us. A spiritual discipline. A daily occurrence to offer our Lord and Savior our grateful hearts.

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ… ~Ephesians 5:20
Being Grateful – A Summary

I don’t know about you, but this message of being grateful is one that convicts me. I hope to do a better job of being grateful, not just a few days a year, but everyday. I hope to meditate regularly on the reason behind my thankfulness–our great and glorious God. And especially, I hope to remember to address the object of my gratitude.

Wishing you and yours a blessed Thanksgiving Day and a grateful heart for years to come,

Cathy 

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