Gratitude is more than a passing feeling; it’s a lifestyle that reflects our relationship with God. This past week, I spoke about gratitude, looking closely at the story of Lazarus, Mary, Martha, and Simon the Leper. Their lives offer a powerful example of what it looks like to live thankfully. Let’s take a moment to walk through what gratitude really means and how it can be woven into our everyday lives.
Gratitude in Action
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”; it’s about living it out. I was so encouraged by the turnout at our recent "Gifted to Serve" class, where 170 people showed up, ready and willing to serve. This was a real-life demonstration of gratitude—using our talents to serve others and honor God. Serving, just like expressing gratitude, often starts with small, heartfelt steps.
The Story of Lazarus: A Lesson in Gratitude
In John 11, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, and the whole story is a rich backdrop for understanding gratitude. After being healed from leprosy, Simon hosts a Gratitude Party to honor Jesus. Lazarus, Mary, and Martha each responded to this incredible miracle in different ways that show us how we can express our own thankfulness.
Serving Like Martha
Martha chose to express her gratitude through service. She busied herself preparing and serving food, making sure everyone was taken care of. This wasn’t just about providing a meal—it was her way of honoring Jesus. Sometimes the most genuine acts of gratitude are in the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments of service.
Abiding Like Lazarus
Lazarus, who had just been given new life, simply abided in Jesus' presence. He sat at the table, grateful for the chance to be there. In the same way, abiding means spending time with Jesus, letting the wonder of His presence and goodness soak in. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful gratitude comes from simply being with Him.
Worshiping Like Mary
Mary’s act of pouring costly perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair was an act of pure worship. She gave something precious, expressing her gratitude by offering her best. This moment of worship was about sacrifice, showing us that true gratitude often involves giving something meaningful to God.
The Danger of Holding Back
In this story, Judas Iscariot speaks up, suggesting that Mary’s perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. But as we know, his real motive was self-serving. Judas' reaction is a warning to all of us: are there areas in our lives where we’re holding back? Are we more concerned with our own comfort or status than with giving our best to God?
This Week’s Challenge
This week, let’s focus on living a life of gratitude through serving, abiding, and worshiping God wholeheartedly. Here are some questions to consider:
• How can I serve others this week to show my gratitude to God?
• Am I spending enough time in Jesus’ presence? How can I make more room for this?
• What valuable thing can I offer to God as an act of worship?
Gratitude is a powerful way to express our faith. By serving, abiding, and worshiping, we can show our thankfulness for everything God has done. My prayer for each of us is that we’d make Jesus the Lord of our lives and let gratitude be the path we walk every day. Let’s take steps to honor Him, embracing the way of gratitude and allowing it to shape who we are.
Blessings,
Pastor John Joiner
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