Victory247

“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”  Luke 17:15-17 (NIV)

There were ten men who were healed by Jesus of a horrible, skin eating disease called leprosy. All ten were thrilled when they realized they were cured, but only one came back to thank Him.

I’m sure that Jesus didn’t heal these guys just for some strokes and a ‘thank you’. The important thing He seems to want us to get from this event is the importance of a thankful, unselfish heart.

When my own children were little kids, my wife and I never expected a ‘thank you’ when we gave them something. We took care of them irregardless of any ‘thank you’s’.  As they get older, I can see a maturity develop. When we hear ‘thanks dad for the ride’, or ‘thanks mom for the haircut’, it isn’t expected. But it is great to hear. Not because we need the affirmation, instead we are thrilled to see that they have developed the critical characteristic of appreciation.

I always get a kick out of the parents that drag their children up to another adult that did something for them, like a sleepover or prepared a meal, and throw out the line; “what do you say to Mr. Joseph?” Then I hear the ‘heart felt’, externally pressured response of, “thank you” (as the kids are looking either into the sky, at their own parent, or down at my feet).

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, ingrain in me an attitude of appreciation. Teach me to thank others, especially those I can take for granted. Help me to recognize the things You do for me, then to “come back” and truly thank You. I want to bless You with those words of gratitude that You long to hear from us. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.