OK. So I’m thinking again about thankfulness. The Bible says, “Give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
In the book of Luke, chapter 17, we see a story where Jesus healed ten lepers instantly. He told them to go quickly and have their healing verified by the proper authorities. All ten left. Later, one came back just to say “thanks.” One of ten. Ten percent. I wonder if I’m 10% as thankful as I should be?
So how can I be thankful in all circumstances?
I notice it doesn’t say, “Be thankful FOR all circumstances.” That tenth leper probably wasn’t thankful he had been a leper.
It says, “Be thankful IN all circumstances. (I wrote several days ago about the big ‘IN.’ Check it out. I talked about being IN Christ even more than you’re IN a bad situation). Being a grateful person starts with being IN Christ.
Second, understand that gratitude starts with a choice.
You choose your attitude. You attitude determines your altitude. Grateful people practice gratefulness.Gratitude is first a decision, then eventually a feeling, then a disposition, then finally a lifestyle. (I’m learning how to life a grateful life. Join me in the adventure!)
Here’s one thing to remember: If you don’t have an attitude of gratitude, all you have left is attitude. Go ahead. It’s up to you. You can do it. Recognize when you have a baditude, and replace it with a positive attitude.