Jesus
asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no
one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Luke
17:17-18
I
was once asked by my pastor to create a 'helps ministry' for our
fellowship. One part of this ministry he asked of me was to assist him in doing hospital visitation to our congregants, allowing him more time for study and sermon preparation (Acts 6:3-4). Every one I visited
all said, “Where's the pastor? Isn't he coming to see me? What
are you
doing here?” Frankly, I found such ingratitude surprising, and disappointing.
It
has been my observation that people who show gratitude seem happier
than those who do not. Some of the symptoms of ingratitude are anger, resentment, a critical spirit, envy, and inconsideration. Evidences of gratitude are alertness, enthusiasm, lower levels of depression, determination, attentiveness, energy, and sleep continuity.
A
case in point is the story of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed. Only
one had enough godly gratitude to return and thank Him for His
gracious kindness. That man was from a class of people living in Israel, despised by the Jews, and divided by ethnic and racial barriers; a
Samaritan. He fell down at the feet of Jesus and gave thanks to Him.
Jesus was not being harsh with the man calling him a “foreigner.”
He was making a point to the Jews with Him not to enslave themselves
to legalistic prejudice for God can work in any heart of gratitude.
The
Psalmist was consistent in his thanksgiving and gratitude to God. Is
it any wonder then that at this time Israel achieved its high point
in history? It's a matter of heart. Having a heart foreign to
gratitude is contrary to the heart of perhaps a foreigner who is
praiseworthy and thankful. Think of what you do have in your life
that can be considered a blessing, no matter how insignificant you
believe it to be, and thank God for it. It can become a heartfelt
habit.
Don't
allow ingratitude to become something foreign to you. After all, as
believers passing through this life we're foreigners ourselves. Be a
foreigner with a heart toward appreciativeness and grace. Foster an
attitude of gratitude. It pleases our LORD and can encourage others while bringing joy and an outlook of contentment.
Ken
