The Power of “Thank You”
As Christians in Christ and in ministry, we need to learn how to say “Thank You” to the people God has placed in our lives and in ministry, who help us accomplish the things He desires us to do. Every believer has a calling on their life and a purpose for their life. We are not here just to be here and do nothing. We are placed into the body of Christ through Jesus Christ-Romans 10:9-10. Once we are in the body of Christ, we are instructed to go to work, bringing others into the body- Matthew 28:19-20, also Matthew 20:1-9.
In everything we do in the body of Christ we need or have both spiritual help from God and natural help from man available to us. For those who God sends to help us, we need to take the time to say, “Thank You” to them and to God. Many in the body of Christ believe they can do things alone and they cannot be replaced; thereby never taking the time to say “Thank You” to the help or for the help. Many ministries do not accomplish God’s will because people refuse to take the time to say, “Thank You.”
Growing up in Bunkie, LA and Alexandria, LA, one of the things I learned early on was to always say, “Thank You” when someone did something for you that they did not have to do. As children in our community, if you did not say “Thank You,” it was told to our parents.
Saying “Thank You” became a part of my lifestyle at an early age. I was taught to speak to people and say “Thank You” even if they did not respond. I saw how important these two words were when people began to show favor towards my brothers and me. We always said “Thank You” when dealing with people while looking for summer jobs. We would say “Thank You” and “Yes Ma’am” or “Yes Sir.” Those words gave us favor with people. They still give favor today.
In our scripture text: Luke 17:11-19, we find Jesus on His way to Jerusalem. He is between Samaria (mixed Jews) and Galilee (mostly Gentiles). As He entered one of the villages, Jesus met ten (10) men with leprosy or ten (10) men with leprosy met Jesus. Keeping their distance, they called unto Him. This meant they knew who Jesus was. They had heard of Jesus and the works He had done. They lifted up their voices and cried unto Him, realizing they needed what Jesus had and that he could bless them. These men recognized without Jesus they really did not have a life.
In Luke 17:13, they said Master, acknowledging Jesus’ Lordship and receiving Him as the son of God, their savior and healer. They asked Jesus to have mercy on them. (His undeserved favor). Luke 17:14 says, Jesus saw them and their condition as he sees ours. He wanted to do something about their condition. Jesus told them to Go and Show. This allowed them to put their faith in Jesus’ words. Jesus is still telling us and still giving us opportunity to act on His word. Matt. 28:16-20 and 2 Corin. 5:7, Jesus told them to go show yourselves to the Priest, so he could pronounce them clean and cured of leprosy.
All ten (10) turned and headed in the direction of the temple, but it was as they went and obeyed that they received their healing. Please note vs.15; one of the ten (10) saw he was healed without Jesus telling him, so he turned back to Jesus and Thanked Him and Praised Him with a loud voice for his healing. This man was cured of leprosy and made whole or completely healed of anything else that may have been wrong with his body.
I believe the other nine (9) were grateful also, but his man wanted to go farther to show Jesus his appreciation for what He had done for him. Please note he took the time to go back and let Jesus know he was grateful.
Let us take time to let God and others know how grateful we are for their help and support along with some kind of appreciation for what they have done.
The one who came back realized the Temple was not going anywhere but Jesus was (just passing through). This man on purpose took the time to say, “Thank You” and to give Jesus praise. Please take the time to say “Thank You” to those who have been a blessing to you. Whoever God has placed in your life to help and support you, bless them with a “Thank You.”
When we take time to say “Thank You” to others, we can accomplish more.