Gratitude: The Secret to Spiritual Growth No One Talks About

Gratitude is usually looked upon as good. In fact, in the month of November, when we in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving, we often take time to list the things we are grateful for. That is a healthy practice.

However, we overlook the reality that gratitude can greatly enhance spiritual growth. Here’s how. When we are grateful, our attitude changes from negative to positive. Constantly counting our blessings helps us have a very positive view of life. When we are negative, we are much more vulnerable to temptation. When we are tempted, we are more likely to fall into sin and lose some momentum in our spiritual growth.

Gratitude helps us stay strong. It reminds us of our good heavenly Father. It helps us worship and honor him.

Today, I want to share with you just ten things I am grateful for.

Gratitude Times Ten

1. I am thankful for my legs. They move me from place to place. They are strong and steady and help me live a full life.
2. I am thankful for my eyes. They enable me to see the wonderful world around me. I can see the marvels of nature, the sparkle of a smile and the beauty of all that God has made.
3. I am thankful for hands. These two working hands make my life so much easier. What would I do without them?
4. I am thankful for my wife. She stands beside me and encourages me. She banishes my loneliness. I am blessed because of her.
5. I am thankful for and proud of my kids and grandkids. They are such a blessing to me and remind me that good things are being done because of the life they live.
6. I am grateful for my siblings and in-laws. Although we are separated by the miles, the connections we share are renewed with every visit and every conversation.
7. I am grateful for my extended family – cousins, nieces and nephews and their families scattered across a couple of continents, some of whom I have never even met. They add a fullness to my life and a level of comfort and peace that is profound.
8. I am grateful for my Father in heaven. He is full of love for me and provides me with everything I need for an abundant and eternal life.
9. I am grateful for Jesus. He leads me in a perfect path and has demonstrated to me how I am to live, what I am to think and what I should say. He is patient and kind but firm in his standards.
10. I am thankful for the Holy Spirit who empowers and purifies me. His presence in my life enables me to understand scripture, pray effectively and be used to make a difference in the lives of countless others.

Get Serious

What are you thankful for? List ten things that deserve your gratitude. Then repeat them throughout the day. Let that attitude of gratitude encourage you and strengthen you as you follow Jesus.

Here’s an idea, share your list on our Facebook page!