The Pastor's Pen - The Zelienople Church of the Nazarene

"Gratitude Is an Attitude"
Luke 17:11-19.
November, 2003

Perhaps you remember the story about the time Jesus met up with ten men who had the disease of leprosy. They all asked for his mercy and pity (asking to be healed). Jesus honored their request by requesting they go to the priests and on their way they were all healed. What might your request be today? The Lord may be

willing to grant it. ASK HIM!

An interesting thing happens to people once they get there answer. They forget how important their request was before the Lord. In their joy of having a need met, they like nine, yes nine, of the lepers fail to give thanks. I observed this very thing this week upon seeing a Pastor receive a multitude of gifts from his congregation. His response shocked me. "I have a very difficult time saying ‘thanks!’" He went on to express all the other things he wished he would have gotten. Some items small but expensive; another a truck, all the while, I was waiting to hear “thank you.” Just a simple “THANK YOU.”

To my amazement and quite noticeably to others of that local church, there was no expression of thanks, gratitude or appreciation. Gratitude is an attitude! Expressions of thanks show your gratitude, or as the pastor’s setting shows, your attitude.

Jesus asked the one man who came back grateful and praising God, "Where there not ten of you healed?" Take time to thank God for his blessings and answers to your prayers. Always say “thanks” and at least express your appreciation for others thoughtfulness. The song writer has written; “The Lord is good all the time.” The challenge here is to not get lost in the joy of having a need met and portray the wrong attitude.

I was taught as a young child to always give thanks. Saying “thank you” is a great habit to get into. I was also taught that a way to express my thanks and gratitude was to look for someone else in need and give as it was given unto me. I learned later as a Christian Jesus taught the same thing my parents taught me. WOW. My dad’s favorite saying when he got to help others was; "A friend in need is a friend indeed." Who is needy that you know today? Let them see your attitude because of your gratitude. I also wish to say thanks for the many things you have done for Beth and I in our move and transition time. Your prayers and support mean so much and the little things like tomatoes, corn, bear claws, gifts of money and Pastor Appreciation Day are a blessing to us. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Just wanted to demonstrate my gratitude and hope I always show the right attitude.

-Rev. Gene Hill, Pastor