BEFORE WE MOVE ON

BEFORE WE MOVE ON

There is something about a simple act of kindness that stays with us. Maybe someone offered help when we were overwhelmed, brought a meal during a difficult week, or called just when we needed encouragement. We remember what they did because it meant something to know that someone cared enough to notice.

That reminds me of an occasion in the life of Jesus. As He traveled toward Jerusalem, ten men suffering from leprosy stood at a distance and cried out for mercy. Jesus told them to show themselves to the priests, and as they went, they were cleansed (Luke 17:11–14). Imagine what that meant to men whose illness had affected nearly every part of their lives.

But only one returned to glorify God and thank Jesus. And he was a Samaritan (Luke 17:15–16). Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17).

I wonder how often that question could be asked of us. We are quick to recognize what we need from God. We pray for strength when we are weary, wisdom when we face difficult decisions, and comfort when our hearts are troubled. And there is nothing wrong with bringing those needs before Him. But when the difficulty passes, do we remember to give thanks? When our prayers are answered, do we remember the One who answered them?

Perhaps we sometimes overlook God’s blessings because they have become so familiar. We wake up to another day, have food on the table, enjoy time with family and friends, and have the opportunity to study His Word. These may seem like ordinary things, but they are blessings worth remembering. James reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). The psalmist said, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2).

Of course, being thankful does not mean pretending everything in life is good. Paul wrote, “In every thing give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). He did not say every circumstance is good, but that we should remain thankful even when life is difficult. We can still thank God because His mercy and faithfulness have not changed.

Paul also reminded the Colossians to give thanks to God in whatever they did (Colossians 3:17). Gratitude should not be something we show only when something wonderful happens. It ought to be a part of our everyday lives.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope we will do more than talk about our blessings around the dinner table. Let us thank God in prayer, show our gratitude through kindness and service, and remember Him in the ordinary moments of life. Above all, let us never become so busy enjoying what God has given that we forget the One who gave it.

Ten men walked away cleansed. One came back to say thank you. May we be people who remember to return.

~ Casey Clement