An Attitude Of Ingratitude

"On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.  Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well." Luke 17:11-19

Before you think harsh thoughts of the nine. We can easily be just like those other nine lepers. We just want relief. We want to live our lives free of trouble and consequence for our actions. When we need relief, or when everything we tried or trusted in has failed us, we turn to God as a last resort. And during the times when we don't need relief.  He is a distant thought, and maybe not thought of at all.

Unfortunately, I am not just referring to the lost. In war there is something called "fox-hole religion".  As some of you know and the rest can imagine, warfare is full of terrors. After all people are trying to kill each other. It is not uncommon for people, even those who are far from God, to make promises to God when bullets are buzzing over their heads. "God if only you will protect me and keep me safe from bodily harm. If you do God I promise I will go to church!" And once the battle is over, the promise is forgotten. I got what I wanted. Like the nine lepers.

Are you thinking that you would never be like that? Think again. There is something called Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. They are (in order of importance) 1. Physiological Needs: Essential for survival (e.g., food, water). 2. Safety Needs: Protection and stability. 3. Love/Belonging Needs: Social relationships and connectedness. 4. Esteem Needs: Recognition and self-respect. and 5. Self-Actualization Needs: Achieving personal potential. 

When we are in trouble our focus is on 1 and 2. Did you notice the God is not listed as a need? Thinking about God might be #3 or maybe #5 need. But, when you are focused on the first 2 needs, you forget about the others until the first 2 are satisfied. It's all about you. It is so easy to lose spiritual perspective.

"The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:5-7

Do you believe that? It's true whether you do or not. If you have not prepared spiritually, you will most certainly struggle. If you are ready, then your heart will resonate with James' words.

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." - James 1:2-7

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone