It’s been a long time since I parented teens but I still remember trying to teach them to value what they were given, to show gratitude to the people with whom they ‘did life!’ It is quite common for those for whom everything has been provided throughout childhood to slip into the idea that that food falls from the sky and that laundry magically makes it way from hamper to washer and back to dresser drawer.
We can each develop a sense of entitlement, beginning to believe that we “deserve” privileges and/or recognition for things that we did not earn, that we are owed a the life others enjoy without applying ourselves with effort. People who feel entitled are often miserable – inwardly and among their friends and family members. They do not know the joy of true accomplishment. They are seldom satisfied and want ‘more,’ even to the point of demanding to be served.
Here’s a key question for us as Christians. Are we approaching God like spoiled teenagers, quick to complain about what we perceive as lack and failing to express genuine gratitude?
One day ten men in a desperate situation approached Jesus. They were ‘lepers,’ meaning they had some skin disease that required them to live completely isolated from the community and family. It was a kind of living death! They had heard about Jesus’ healing work and when he came by where they lived, they yelled “Have mercy on us!” He directed them to an act of faith. “Go show yourself to the priest.” If a person’s skin issue cleared up, the priest could certify that and allow them to return to society. They had to act to receive what He offered!
Let’s pick up Luke’s storyline: “And as they went, they were cleansed. 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—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:14-17, NIV) God met their faith and obedience with healing, which was, as you can imagine, a really big deal! They could go home, resume life, reconnect with family.
But, this fact stuns me … just one of the ten saw fit to go back and express his gratitude. Luke includes the detail that he was another kind of social outcast, a Samaritan; not a ‘true child of God’ in the opinion of the majority of people at that time.
Have you ‘returned’ to give thanks? Did you start your day with gratitude for your salvation, for God’s love, that you are included in His family? OR, do you simply take such things for granted?
The foundation of true worship is praise, genuine appreciation of God in all of His mystery, wonder, and majesty. The Psalm says –
“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:1-5, NIV)
In your prayers, occasionally do not ask for anything, but rather thank God … for people, for past joys, for mercy, for grace. Find a Psalm and read it as your prayer. Sing along with your favorite worship song. Overflow with thankgiving. Something wonderful may happen. Faith will grows that allows you to present Him your needs and concerns without a demanding sense of entitlement!
Luke tells us that the Samaritan who returned to give thanks was effusive – ‘praising God in a loud voice.’ He was yelling, pointing at his new skin, jumping up and down, and crying. He didn’t kneel reverently when he found Jesus. He threw himself at His feet in an expression of complete humility, realizing he deserved nothing and received everything. I hope my gratitude to God runs that deep, stirs me to a similar joy. How about you?
Here’s a word from the Word, an ancient song sung by those who recalled the Lord’s mercies in restoring His people to their land and faith after a long time in captivity. Make it your song today.
“When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.” (Psalm 126, NLT)
Don’t be one of the 9 who forgot to give thanks!
Be the 1 who worshipped!
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(Video of this blog at this link)
I love You Lord
Oh Your mercy never fails me
All my days
I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
I will sing of the goodness of God
All my life You have been faithful
All my life You have been so so good
With every breath that I am able
I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a father
I’ve known You as a friend
I have lived in the goodness of God
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
With my life laid down
I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after
It’s running after me
Ben Fielding, Brian Johnson, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson
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