I could be that you’re doing really well, spiritually, relationally, and vocationally.
For decades now we’ve been asking church workers and their families, “How are you doing?” We ask so that you can seek out and find God’s gracious healing and strength.
Many are struggling, but many more are doing just fine. Gratitude is, after the Spirit’s gift of joy, the best indicator that you’re doing really well these days.
During this Thanksgiving week, let’s check our gratitude index and see what it might be telling us!
Is your life with God marked by a continual sense of thankfulness?
A healthy spiritual life is a life of receptivity. God’s gifts of grace, love, forgiveness, eternity, peace and hope are all freely given by a benevolent and gracious Father in heaven. Gratitude at every thought and remembrance of His good gifts is a sign of spiritual health.
Maybe the nine healed lepers who could not be found figured they deserved the Lord’s healing touch. Maybe they thought they earned it or contributed in some way.
The tenth man who immediately returned in thanks and praise was doing very well. He knew God and it showed.
Gratitude is the healthiest and most humble response to the good gifts of God in our lives.
Is your life in community with others marked by appreciation for their presence in your life with God?
Not everyone is equally lovable. Some people in our lives require a good deal of extra grace. I should know. I’m that extra grace required person for many of the people in my life.
When you think of one of those who are hard to love, how long does it take for you to think of something you appreciate about them? How quickly can you say, “Without this person in my life, I’d be without…” and fill in the blank?
Relational health is all about patience, loving as we’ve been loved, undeservedly.
Gratitude is not just a sign that our relationships are on solid footing. Intentional thankfulness for others is a way to grow in love and to heal strained relationships.
You’re doing pretty well if you can say, “Yep, she sure drives me crazy sometimes, but I’m thankful that I know her!”
Is your life in ministry a regular source of thanksgiving to God?
I’ve been saying for years that when church workers are quick to identify the amazing and wondrous ways that Jesus makes himself know in their ministry, they’re doing pretty well. Joy is seeing Jesus at work in the lives of the people we serve.
And what’s the most natural response to the joy of Jesus showing up and working his wonders for the advancement of the kingdom?
Thanksgiving.
Jesus said, “For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it” (Matthew 13:17).
If you find yourself regularly and frequently saying, “Thanks, Lord, for using me as a channel of blessing to others,” then you’re doing well.
God bless all of your thankfulness this week and always.
And thanks for reading.
