I've found myself struggling with my Sunday morning message from Luke 17:11-19. In this passage Jesus tells us of 10 lepers which he heals. He sends the lepers to the priests to verify their healing which was the law of the day. All of these 10 men were healed of their terrible disease, but only one, a Samaritan, returned to Jesus to thank Him for the healing. As I've meditated on this scripture I've found myself asking the question: Am I as thankful to God as I should be? After much thought and serious conviction, I have to say I've neglected thanking God as I should for all He has done and is doing for me.
It's easy for us as Christians to get complacent sometimes. We can fall into ruts and allow the things of the world to take away our joy in the Lord. When this happens we find ourselves neglecting God and we become self sufficient. This is a path that leads us away from proper praise and giving of thanks to the One who has done more for us than we can innumerate upon.
As I review my life I have so much to be thankful for. Heaven knows I am thankful for God's love, mercy, grace and patience with me, a fallen creature who came to Christ later in life. Yet in spite of my wicked ways for most of my life, those sins are remembered no more(Heb 10:17), as they have been wiped away by the blood of Christ.
I have a wonderful wife and a family I certainly do not deserve. God has entrusted me with a church family that has supported and followed me as shepherd. He has blessed me with provision during hard times and correction during times of wandering. And while I have not exactly been in a "woe is me" state of mind, I know in my heart I have not thanked God as much as I should. I have taken Him for granted many times, allowing my heart to be overtaken by concerns instead of overflowing with thanks.
Thanking and praising God should be the first thing we do everyday. When we awake we should thank Him for a new day to serve Him. We should thank him for the people He brings into our lives that give us an opportunity to be His witness and to minister in His name. We should thank Him for the opportunity to come to His "throne" in prayer through Jesus Christ. We should thank Him for His word to instruct, enlighten, encourage and rebuke us in absolute truth. If we truly have our hearts right with God, praise and thanks will fill our day, and our hearts will exhibit a spirit of humility and dependence upon the only One in control.
Many messages come easy. They can be great, Holy Spirit filled sermons that touch hearts among the faithful. But for me, I'm glad I struggled with this message this week. It led me to examine and closely look at the blessings which overflow in my life. God has been abundantly good to me, and I'm truly thankful He chose me through His Son Jesus Christ. I love Him because "He" loved me "first." To Him be the glory, forever and ever, Amen.
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