Thankfulness by Ps Jim Jung

Thankfulness

 

The simple action and attitude of thankfulness is tremendously powerful. The Bible has over 100 references scattered throughout the Old and New Testaments about the importance of allowing thankfulness to be a part of our lives. One of my favourite biblical examples is found when Jesus heals ten men who suffered from leprosy (Luke 17:11-19).

 

Their disease had separated them from society, rendering them as outcasts with little hope of a future. Jesus hears their request and instructs them to go and present themselves to the priests as an act of faith. As they turn to go, each of them is instantly healed from the dreaded plague of leprosy. But, only one of them came back to Jesus to thank him for His care. Jesus responds with a special blessing when he says, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (v19 NIV)

 

Being ungrateful is the opposite action and attitude to thankfulness. Thankfulness and ungratefulness reside at opposite sides of the spectrum; with one having the ability to build while the other will often tear down. Being ungrateful has dire consequences according to the biblical writer, Timothy:

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV)

 

Here are three possible ways that each of us can exercise thankfulness throughout our day:

 

1. Thank as many people as you can every day:
   Make a habit of recognising the efforts of others and thank them for it. You will discover dozens of opportunities exist.
    
2. Thank people publicly:
   Praising someone in front of others is an opportunity to cultivate a broader environment of thankfulness. Words and attitudes are contagious. It is easy to recognise this when we think of the power that criticism has. Build someone up by praising their efforts and those witnessing this will more than likely want the same.
    
3. Thank in writing:
   Receiving a letter, note or card from someone is incredibly special. A handwritten note is (can be) especially valued in this electronic age, considering the time and effort taken to actually pen to paper. Why not send a ‘Thank You’ card to someone today!