Just Say, "Thank You"

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” –Luke 17:17-18 NIV

Can you imagine being completely cured of a disfiguring, lifelong disease and not bothering to thank the one who released you from your suffering? Jesus healed ten men of leprosy; yet only one threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him while “praising God in a loud voice.” Most of us were taught as children the meaning and value of being gracious and polite, of saying, “Please” and “Thank you,” and holding doors open for others. We understand that showing common courtesy and kindness are a vital part of loving and serving others. In this way, we lead by example. Yet, do we extend this same courtesy to our Father in Heaven? Before you lay your problems and needs before the Cross, spend a few minutes praising the Creator of Heaven and earth for every good thing in your life—not just the obvious benefits you enjoy, such as shelter and food to eat. Praise Him for those intangible qualities you may take for granted and rarely think about—your intellect, creativity, abilities, forgiveness, kindness, trustworthiness, and honesty. God gave you everything you have, both externally and internally. There’s truly nothing NOT to thank Him for.