How Thankfulness Leaves a Lasting Mark You May Not See

1 Thessalonians 5:18: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

What’s in a phrase? Or in this case, a scripture? Especially one that most of us have likely heard dozens, if not hundreds, of times throughout our Christian walk. 

If asked what this means, I imagine many, or most of us, would already have the answer as being thankful for what God has done in my life, my family, what He’s provided me in life, etc. Am I right? 

Many of us may go a little deeper and say we should be thankful in the battle and through the hard things. After all, the Bible states in James 1:2-3 to count it all joy when you fall into various trials because hard times make your faith stronger. 

Those are all great thoughts! But I believe there is even more to reflect on with this scripture. I believe we can dig even deeper into the thought and the action. 

How many of us like to have nice clothes to wear? How about having a car to drive? Good shoes when we need to walk a few blocks, or across town? How many of us like to eat? Even when it’s just your regular lunch at work, nothing fancy most of the time. I am THANKFUL for farmers!! I don’t want to raise animals or crops! We would all be in trouble because that is not my talent. I don’t want to be the one to manufacture clothing or refine oil for gasoline - I don’t like getting dirty LOL

But what about closer to home? Do you like a clean house or yard? Do you like the trash taken out or the dishes washed? If you are not the one to do these things, do you say thank you to the person who does? Do you express a Christ-like appreciation to the person when they do?

Think about yourself for a moment. Do you feel positive and/or motivated when others have shown you that type of gratitude?

These little things mattered to Jesus. If it was not important, would he have taken time to point it out when he was teaching? Remember in Luke 17:11-16? Jesus taught us the importance of expressing thankfulness. Only one of the lepers who was healed came back to say thank you. 

In verses 17-19 of this chapter, Jesus told the Samaritan who came back that their faith was the healing factor. This tells me that thankfulness can become a part of our character, our nature, a part of who we are daily.

If we have broken or hurt relationships, if we want to get closer to each other, if we want more unity and strength in this body or any body of Christ, I believe this is a step in that direction. 

We should not expect our children, spouses, etc., just to do their part in the household or get things done because those things need to be done. That may be a technically true statement, but wouldn’t life be more enjoyable when we can say, and hear, simple ‘thank you for doing that sweetie’.

Jesus did not have expectations for the lepers to return and thank him, but when the one did, Jesus took the moment to let the person know how thankfulness (and faith) impacted their own life. 

Until next time…

Amy