Be the One
Proverbs 19:3 says, “When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.” It’s strange. Why do we find it easier to blame God than give thanks to Him? Short answer? Our bent towards ingratitude is the fruit of self-centeredness and sin. In our fallenness, we are not inclined to recognize—let alone giving thanks for—the blessings God showers on us.
Luke 17:11-19 drives this truth home. It’s a story about Jesus and ten lepers. Luke writes, “On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’ When he saw them he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ And he said to him, ‘Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.’”
Ten lepers cry out for mercy. Ten lepers obey Jesus when he tells them to show themselves to the priest. And, along the way, ten lepers are healed. But only one stops. Only one returns to Jesus. Only one gives glory to God! The other nine continue on their way—rejoicing but ungrateful. Their bodies restored, their hearts devoid of praise.
On this Thanksgiving Day, consider the goodness of God. If you’re a believer, think of all you possess in Christ. Beyond the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, the shelter that warms us, the relationships we enjoy—consider the spiritual blessings that are ours!
Ephesians 1:3-14 proclaim them. In Christ, God has blessed you with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places… God loved you and chose you before you were born (verse 4). In spite of your sin, in Christ, you’ve become holy and blameless in God’s sight. You are an adopted child of God (verse 5). By grace through faith, you have been redeemed by means of Christ’s death on the cross (verse 7). Your sins are forgiven—all of them—past, present, and future. God has lavished his grace on you (verses 7-8). An eternal inheritance awaits you in heaven. You are rich beyond imagination (verses 11 and 14). And if that’s not enough, you are forever secure in your salvation having been sealed with the Holy Spirit who forever lives in you (verse 13).
So let me ask. Are you like the one who returned to Jesus to worship and give thanks? Am I? Or, are we more like the nine who, having been so richly blessed in Christ, ungratefully continue on our way? No praise. No worship. No thanksgiving.
By God’s grace, let’s be like the one! By the work of His Spirit within us, may we always be slow to complain and quick to give thanks to God our Savior. As followers of Christ, let’s make every day Thanksgiving Day!