In Luke 17:11-19, we are given a special story of thankfulness. Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem when he was met by ten lepers on the road. They stood at a distance and called out to Him, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus, without immediately healing them, gave them instructions to go to the priest. The men took off toward the city, showing that they believed what He said, and were cleansed on the way. But one of them came back, and thanked Jesus for healing him. Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Were there not any who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” Jesus’s disappointment is clear, and this shows us that He wants to see our thankfulness toward Him for what He has done in our lives.
God has done many miraculous things in my life, from keeping me alive through countless deadly cases of malaria to giving me previously unobtainable learning opportunities in the community. But, unlike the man who returned, I all too often become one of the other nine, leaving without thanks to the One who made it possible.
Keeping Christ in the forefront of my thoughts has always been challenging. And remembering to be grateful for everything that happens is even harder. But we shouldn’t just be thankful when things are good; we should also be thankful that whatever happened wasn’t worse. And, as shown in the Luke passage, giving God the gratitude He deserves is expected of us.
Keeping God in mind this coming Christmas season and giving thanks to Him for everything we receive should be a must. Not only during Christmas, but forever. Make it a goal to be like the one who returned to Jesus, and give Him the gratitude He deserves.
