Be Thankful by Ps Jim Jung

In His sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a series of statements about the Kingdom’s definition of living a blessed life. The Message Bible says it like this:

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” (Matthew 5:3-10 underline added)

Jesus commended those who pursued the values and purposes of his kingdom. These included humility, obedience, purity, peace makers and those prepared to step in to difficult circumstances even though they may be treated badly for doing what is right. Jesus’ commendation is that God will bless those people. We may not use the term “blessing” as much in our contemporary society but it basically infers that “favour be given” to the recipient.

There is tremendous power interwoven within the simple action of being thankful. 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 with a debilitating disease (ref: Luke 17:11-19).

Their sickness had separated them from society and as outcasts their future was bleak. 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 scourge 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.” (vs 19 NIV)

Here are three simple ways each of us could invest time to ensure we are exercising thankfulness, showing appreciation to others, through 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’ll discover dozens of opportunities exist.

2.      Thank people publicly.

Praising someone in front of others is an opportunity to cultivate a broader environment of appreciation. Words and attitudes are contagious. It’s 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 instantly want the same.

3.      Thank in writing

Receiving a letter, note or card from someone is incredibly special. Especially in this electronic age, hand written notes are even more valued as they actually took time and effort to express the words.

Our initial bible reading today reminded us that Christ blessed those who invested in the values of the kingdom of God when he said:

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:9-10 NLT)

Being a blessed person, is being a person who understands the power of being thankful.