Morning Devotional:
Years ago, a prominent talk show host did an experiment on gratitude. Setting up cameras at an entrance to an urban shopping center, the host captured a number of people entering and exiting the building, noting the number of times someone held a door open for someone else, and more importantly, how often a person was thanked for doing so.
The results were quite shocking. Almost no one bothered to thank the person who held a door open for them. Many individuals didn’t even bother to make eye contact with the person doing the good deed. I found myself bothered by this, as I myself make it a point to say thank you to anyone with the kindness of heart to show me such courtesy.
The scene reminded me of a story in the Word from Luke chapter 17. Ten men suffering with leprosy – a dreaded, disfiguring disease that made a person unclean and unfit for society – found themselves in front of Jesus. In His incredible kindness, Jesus would heal the ten men and they would go on their merry way, but only one would return to offer the Lord his thank you. What that man received next was so much more – the gift of salvation.
Why do so many experience the goodness of God and so few respond to Him with thanksgiving? Let’s be sure we are giving God the thanksgiving and praise He deserves.
– Beth
Burning Question:
What are you thankful for?
Bible Quiz:
Question: In 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, the apostle Paul tells us to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is ____________.” Fill in the blank!
Answer: “…the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)