By Brother Tom Albin
The Bible names nine qualities or “fruit” of the Holy Spirit. This week I would like to suggest a tenth—GRATITUDE. Here are the nine identified in Galatians 5:22-23. (Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)
…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.
In the New Testament book of Colossians, chapter 3, verses 15-17 it instructs us:
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In the book of Hebrews, chapter 12, verses 28 and 29, we read:
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for indeed our God is a consuming fire.
Gratitude is the antidote to greed and discontentment. Ungratefulness comes from fixing your gaze on the world and comparing yourself and your talents and your possessions with others.
Brother Stanly wrote: “Jesus has given me power to turn every sorrow into a song, every hurt into a hallelujah” (Song of Assents, 389). He instructed us to “gaze at Jesus and glance at the world” because “whatever has your attention, has you.”
Today I invite you to turn your eyes upon Jesus. Stop looking at the world and the things of the world. Instead, fix your eyes on God and the Kingdom of God.
Surrender every desire to be like someone else that you see as better, bigger, smaller, taller, stronger, richer, faster, smarter, more popular, or happier. Instead, with gratitude, take up your unique cross and pursue your unique path.
Today, thank God for what you do have and for who you really are! Let Jesus remind you that you are his unique son or daughter. You are a child of the King Jesus! You are a Christian! Christ is in you! You are His disciple. You are a citizen of the Kingdom of God—the unshakable kingdom.
No other human being among the 8 billion people on earth has your personality, your DNA, your fingerprint and your potential. You are uniquely gifted! You have a unique place and purpose in the Body of Christ—the Church—the family of God—and this Christian Ashram family!
Today, like Brother Stanley, let Jesus give you the power to turn every sorrow into a song, every hurt into a hallelujah. Thank God for your many blessings as well as your particular challenges. Worship Him and Him alone! Give thanks to Him!
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
PRAYER: Gracious God, thank you for reminding me today who I really am, where I really belong. Thank you for reminding me that I do have a special place in your family and a special purpose in your kingdom. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Increase in me the desire and ability to worship You and serve You, in spirit and in truth.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank You!
