We find ourselves deep into the heart of autumn in October's Thursday devotional. We can notice the leaves, once bright with life, now fall gently to the ground, reminding us of the cyclical nature of existence. The crisp air, tinged with the scent of change, calls us to pause, reflect, and prepare to transition into a new season. Glancing skyward, we might glimpse the moon, steadily growing in brilliance. This symbol of growth and reflection feels apt for the season, reminding us of our journey toward gratitude and humility, virtues often best nurtured in times of change and reflection.
Gratitude and humility are deeply woven into our relationship with Our Lord and Saviour. They are not mere emotions or states of mind. They are transformative pursuits that shape our hearts and align us with Christ's character. As we enter this season of harvest and thanksgiving, let us be inspired by the transformative power of these virtues. In gratitude, we realize just how much grace we've been given, and through humility, we can share that grace with those around us. By being thankful, we open our hearts to see the depth of Our Lord's blessings, and when we approach life with humility, we become vessels through which that grace can flow to others, positively impacting the lives of those around us.
"For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
(Luke 14:11, KJV)
This teaching from Our Lord, speaking in a banquet where He observed the guests jockeying for the most honorable seats, speaks to the heart of what it means to live in humility. Gratitude and humility are intrinsically linked. Being humble means recognizing that all we have and all we are comes from Our Lord and Creator. Once we understand this, gratitude naturally follows. We stop seeking praise and acknowledge that every gift and every breath is a reminder of His grace.
Practicing gratitude requires intentional effort. It's the key to navigating a world driven by the constant chase for success, recognition, and personal achievement. It is easy to lose sight of the blessings we already have. Pursuing gratitude encourages us to pause, reflect on our lives, and appreciate the blessings we often overlook. It reminds us to take a moment to recognize what we have and give thanks for it.
"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan."
(Luke 17:15-16, KJV)
The story of the ten lepers in the Gospel of Luke illustrates how gratitude is often neglected, even in the face of great blessing. After being healed by Our Lord and Saviour, only one of the ten lepers returned to give thanks. He fell at the feet of Jesus, offering not only words of gratitude but a posture of humility and reverence. Our Lord, observing the absence of the other nine, asked, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?" (Luke 17:17). The one who returned, a foreigner, was not only healed physically but spiritually, as Jesus told him, "Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." (Luke 17:19, KJV).
This story encourages us to think about our own lives. How often do we, like the nine lepers, receive blessings without giving thanks? How usually do we overlook the ways Our Lord works in our lives, forgetting to acknowledge His goodness and mercy? The one leper who came back to thank Jesus understood his healing was a gift, not something he earned. His humility helped him recognize the source of his blessing and respond with gratitude.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
(James 1:17, KJV)
Gratitude isn't just about saying 'thank you.' It's about recognizing our dependence on Our Lord and Creator and acknowledging that all good things come from Him. It's a humble attitude, where we set aside our pride and admit we aren't self-sufficient and can't control everything. Every good gift comes from above, and when we accept this, we find true freedom—freedom from constantly trying to prove ourselves and a deep peace that surpasses understanding.
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
(Colossians 3:15, KJV)
This simple yet profound command from Paul's letter to the Colossians reminds us that thankfulness is not optional for the believer. It is a central part of our spiritual walk, a defining characteristic of our lives. In the same way that we are called to put on love, kindness, and patience, we are also called to put on gratitude. But how do we cultivate gratitude in a world that so often encourages us to focus on what we lack rather than what we have? By recognizing its significance and making it a priority in our lives.
The Book of Proverbs in the Septuagint offers a valuable insight into the relationship between humility and gratitude. "The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility." (Proverbs 15:33, KJV). Here, humility is the precursor to any form of honor or recognition. We can fully understand the wisdom of fearing and revering Our Lord with humility. This reflects what Jesus teaches in the Gospels: those who humble themselves will be lifted up, while those who try to elevate themselves will be brought low. Gratitude naturally comes from a humble heart that knows its need for grace and is thankful for the blessings Our Lord provides.
To illustrate the connection between gratitude and humility in everyday life, consider the following story. Imagine a successful businessman whose career has brought him wealth, respect, and influence. His days are filled with meetings, decisions, and a constant drive for more success, recognition, and power. Yet, despite his external achievements, he feels an emptiness, a longing for something more profound. One day, while walking through a park on a rare day off, he encounters an elderly man sitting quietly on a bench, feeding the birds. The man's peaceful demeanor catches the businessman's attention and decides to sit and talk with him.
As they converse, the elderly man shares stories of his life—simple, unremarkable by the world's standards, but filled with moments of gratitude. He speaks of the joy he finds in the small things: the beauty of the changing seasons, the warmth of a cup of coffee, and the companionship of his family. The businessman listens, intrigued by the man's contentment, and realizes that his pursuit of success has left him disconnected from the simple joys of life. He recalls a time when he, too, gave thanks for the small things, when he knelt in prayer and acknowledged his dependence on Our Lord. But as his career advanced, he became more focused on his efforts, gradually forgetting the source of his blessings.
As the businessman leaves the park, he is filled with a renewed sense of gratitude. He begins to see his success not as something he earned on his own but as a gift from Our Lord, a blessing that requires humility to fully appreciate. At that moment, he understands the words of Our Lord: "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:11, KJV)
Gratitude and humility aren't just qualities to admire; they are principles to live by. They influence how we view the world, treat others, and connect with Our Lord and Saviour. When we develop a heart of gratitude, we open ourselves to fully receiving His grace. By living with humility, we allow His blessings to flow more freely.
As we reflect on the theme of this devotional, let us consider the following: How often do we pause to thank Our Lord for the blessings in our lives, both large and small? How can we cultivate a heart of humility that recognizes our dependence on Him? And what practical steps can we take to live out gratitude daily?
This week, take time each day to express gratitude. Whether in prayer, writing, or conversation with a loved one, find ways to acknowledge the blessings in your life. Reflect on a situation where you can show humility through an apology, an act of service, or simply listening to someone else's needs. By practicing gratitude and humility, you can align yourself with the heart of Our Lord and Saviour, allowing His grace to work in and through you. As Proverbs 22:4 reminds us, "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life." May we carry these lessons forward, allowing gratitude and humility to shape our lives as we reflect the love and grace of Our Lord in all we do.
Share the Blessing
Thank you for spending time with us in reflection today. By recognizing Our Lord's hand in all things, both the blessings and the challenges, we can grow in faith and live with a heart full of thankfulness. If this devotional has blessed you, we encourage you to share it with others needing rest and peace. Let's continue to support one another in our pursuit of spiritual renewal by spreading the message of His peace.
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Together, let us journey toward deeper reflection and rest in Our Lord. May you walk in wisdom and light, always guided by His truth. In Jesus' name, Our Lord and Saviour.
