Daily Power #131

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. (Luke 17:15–16)

Have you ever gone to a lot of trouble to do something special for someone, but they barely acknowledged your effort? You planned. You saved. You prepared. You thought of every detail. You made everything just right. You worked like crazy to surprise someone, bless someone, honor someone. And they didn’t even say thank you.

Of course you didn’t do it to be rewarded, but an acknowledgment would have been nice. Imagine how God feels when he gives us life, his love, his presence, his blessings, his Son. And we ignore him, continuing to do our own thing. Or perhaps we’re a bit more gracious and give a polite, token “Thanks, God.”

We show up for church once or twice a month, if we’re not too tired or have a chance to take a weekend trip. We might halfheartedly sing a few songs, listen to the sermon, and nod to acknowledge God before rushing to our favorite restaurants to enjoy our normal lives.

If you want to cultivate compassion and grow in your faith, then you must embrace gratitude. It’s like plant food for the quality of compassion. Gratitude kills pride. Gratitude slays self-sufficiency. Gratitude crushes the spirit of entitlement. Gratitude turns what we have into enough.

Today remember: you are blessed so you can be a blessing.

Power Lift

Jesus, I have so much to be thankful for—my family and friends, my home, my job, my church. Let me appreciate how many blessings I have so that I can serve and bless others.