Photo by Beverly Kimberly on Unsplash
By Mike Chaffin
Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine–where are they? Luke 17:17
A few minutes earlier, as Jesus enters a village, ten lepers approach and ask for Jesus’ mercy. He said, “Go show yourselves to the Priests.” They were healed while walking to the synagogue. Their obedience and faith in Jesus brought healing. However, even though they realized they received healing, only one turned back to worship Jesus and give thanks.
Gratitude is all about attitude. We aren’t sure why the other nine didn’t come back. No need to speculate though. Jesus points out their shortcomings. They weren’t grateful enough to make the short walk back.
From the Old Testament to Jesus, James, Paul, and Peter, they instruct us to praise God and give thanks in all circumstances. Not just the good, but even in the bad.
Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Psalm 30:4
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 43:5
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9
Jesus is asking us where we stand in our gratitude to the Lord. Would we be the one to run back to Him in worship and adoration, or would we just go on in our hurried, oblivious, disrespectful, negative or ‘it’s due me’ attitude toward our God and Savior.
The benefits of a grateful heart are manifest. Our gratitude to God, even when things aren’t going well, causes us to focus on the positive. We appreciate and give thanks for the things we have. It shifts our focus from, ‘why me Lord,’ to the more positive perspective that Christ can do all things, and He will deliver.
Scientific studies show gratitude leads to increased happiness, reduced stress, and an improved emotional state. This leads to further benefits or reduced anxiety or depression, improved relationships, increased resilience to face problems, and enhanced self-esteem. Praising and worshiping God, giving thanks for all things, makes the world seem a better place instead of a bitter pill.
In fact, giving thanks to God and praising His name aren’t optional for Christians. Paul points out,
in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Contemplation: Do I give thanks to God in all things? What changes do I need to make to have a heart of gratitude?
