Gratitude?

How grateful are you?

What determines one's ability to be grateful? Is it the size of the gift or offering of kindness that creates a demand in us to respond in a kind or grateful manner? Is gratitude something we only use in response to something that happens to us? Like kind words, a thoughtful act, or a gift? What is it that determines the level of our gratitude?

I believe it's two things. First, it's our perspective. How you look at things. Do you look at things in this world by how they relate to you and your life primarily? I mean simply, are you your number one priority? Ouch...this is a daunting question, because if you aren't your number one priority, then who would make you theirs?

Next, I believe it's our attitude. Seriously, attitude is the determining factor to a whole lot more than we think. As a matter of fact, attitude pretty much has an effect on everything. A positive or negative attitude determines a person's demeanor, actions, reactions, and all-around temperament, agree?

So what to do? We need an Extreme Makeover: Perspective and Attitude edition. Just like most of the houses on the reality TV show of a similar name, you just can't fix them; they need to be torn down and a whole new one built. There is only One who can accomplish this task, and it is not Ty Pennington, it is Jesus.

'You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV)

There is no other way to make the change. We can't fix what has been broken for so long, we just need to be made new. The great thing about this...unlike Extreme Makeover which happens once, we can and should be made new in Christ over and over. Living each moment with that newness, and not being hindered or defined by a mistake or problem. Recognizing the direction you are headed and who you are following.

In His Grip,

Pastor Pat