Be Thankful

“He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him” Luke 17:16a

“and he told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.” Luke 17:19

The month of October is full of birthdays in my family, including mine. Watching someone open cards and presents and blow out candles on their cake, especially a small child is a great joy to watch. These gifts are usually received with a great deal of gratitude. The big ones, the small ones and even just a thought or gesture. I bet we have all seen someone or been someone that has received a gift that may not have been what was really wanted. But sometimes, as we learn the hard way growing up, we get what we need but not what we want. I think I’ve heard that sung before.

Being thankful or having gratitude is a central theme throughout God’s word. Psalm 100 says “Enter his gates with thanksgiving.” Paul tells the Thessalonians to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Colossians tells us we are called to “Peace” and to be thankful. This gives us a relationship between being grateful and having the peace of Christ. Don’t we all want peace?

The Gospel lesson in Luke also implies that being thankful has strengthened our faith and through faith we are saved. (Ep 2:8-9) We should have gratitude for all of the gifts that God has given us, big and small. We should have faith that God will give us all that we need, just like Mr. Jagger sang. As parents, my wife and I always taught our children to be thankful for each gift they received. They should acknowledge their gratitude in word (and deed). Maybe sometimes parents need to hear and learn what they teach their kids.

Take time each day to thank God for life, it’s many gifts and for for eternal life in Jesus Christ.