A Heart of Gratitude
The reality is that as Christians and leaders we are to have a heart of gratitude all year around. Throughout Scripture we see the admonition to “give thanks”, but why?
Gratitude reminds of who God is. The Psalmist points out, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, his love endures forever.” (Ps. 106:1). Here we see two attributes for which we are to be thankful. The first is that God is good. I don’t think there is a believer that would dispute that God is good. It is His very nature to be good all of the time. Just like a leopard can’t change his spots, so too God can’t stop being good. He is good. And not only is He good, but His love endures forever. As we have talked about so much, His love is unconditional, unending and forever. The Apostle Paul reminds us that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38,39). By having a heart of gratitude, we are reminded of who God is.
Gratitude reminds us that we have nothing on our own. Sometimes we think we are self-sufficient and don’t need anything from anyone. But if we have a heart of gratitude we are reminded that everything we have comes from God. He is the one who not only owns everything but has created us, given us talents and gifts and pours out innumerable blessings each and every day. Everything I have I receive from God. A heart of gratitude helps to keep that in the forefront of my mind.
Gratitude reminds me of what I can give to others. When I have a heart of gratitude I am reminded of who God is and what He has given me but also what I can give others. When I am grateful, I am much more willing to give to others. Gratitude helps me be unselfish because freely I have been given and then freely I will give. I am able to give my time my resources and my efforts when I recognize that they are not mine but that I am given then to be a blessing to someone else.
It is no accident that the admonition “give thanks” is given so much in Scripture. Having a heart of gratitude is truly something that all Christian leaders need to have to continue to grow into the leaders God has called them to be.
Conversation:
How have you found gratitude keeps you focused on God?
In what ways are you able to give to others because you have a heart of gratitude?