A Simple Thank You

When Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, ten men diseased with leprosy cried out to Him for healing. Jesus commanded them to show themselves to the priest, and as they were leaving, they were miraculously healed! Yet only one of the men (a Samaritan) turned back and thanked Jesus. Jesus asked, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18)

What did the other nine former lepers do after showing themselves to the priest? Did they return to their families? Did they go back to their former homes and work? Perhaps ten days or years later they remembered to themselves and said, “Oh yeah! Thank you Jesus!”

A simple thank you matters, whether to Jesus or each other. When an executive of a corporation takes a moment to express gratefulness to the maintenance worker changing a light bulb, it gives this person a renewed sense of belonging and recognition for their work. When a parent thanks their son or daughter for cleaning their room, it speaks to the heart of the child that their efforts are appreciated.

Many of us who come from the old-school way of thinking may feel that it’s unnecessary to thank someone for just doing what they are supposed to do. However, do we always appreciate the goodness of God? He doesn’t have to do anything for us, and we reap His benefits every single day whether we thank Him or not. We don’t always remember to thank Him (just like the lepers), and He still blesses us. As believers, we can be the chief encouragers in our home, at school, at work, and in our community with a simple “thank you.”

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for everything You have done and continue to do for me. Forgive me for the times I’ve been like the nine lepers and didn’t return to You to express my gratefulness. Amen.

In His Service,

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