Devotionals

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Attitude Adjustment


Give as freely as you have received!

--Matthew 10:8


Carl Williams completed his home project and was in a giving mood. When asked by a neighbor for his help, he immediately volunteered his time. Upon completion of the tasks at hand, Carl asked for nothing in return.

On his return home, Carl complained to his wife, “Peter and Janie Jacobs never acknowledged the five hours I gave removing all of the trash from their garage.”

“I’m not making excuses for them but they may have been so busy or tired that forgot to thank you.”

“Eh, you might be right.” While lying on the couch to relax, Carl’s conscientious seemed to ask him several questions “Have you ever thanked the garbage men for picking up your trash? Or have you ever thanked those who stocked the grocery store shelves?” Carl arrived at the conclusion that he never thanked anyone for services they performed and rarely his family.

Jesus healed ten lepers during his ministry on earth with only one returning to thank Him. He demonstrated his unconditional love for the nine as well as the lone person who thanked Him. Because the other nine did not return to thank Him did not discourage Him from continued “good works”.

The real thanks is in not expecting thanks but in the joy of service and in the giving to other in a cheerful manner. It is very difficult to keep this in mind. It is only possible if we reflect upon the work of Christ who is and should be our model.


Prayer: Lord, help me to cheerfully work on behalf of others without expecting gratitude. All
I need is Your approval.


Stephen A. Peterson
© 2012

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