The Wheatland Mission

Missional Practice #1: Gratitude

What do we mean by "missional practices"?

Missional Practices are activities that we engage in, as individuals and as a group, that help form us according to the model of Christ. Similar to spiritual disciplines, missional practices empower us to see where God is working and they empower us to participate with his Spirit in His work.

'Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”'

So. Where ARE the other nine and am I one of them?

This is an important question for me to reflect on this year--especially during this season. May God keep me grateful for a wonderful wife, beautiful children, and a group of people that (some call this a church) that cares for us, warts and all.


What makes you express thanks to God? What makes you express thanks to those around you?

* Gratitude is key because it draws us out of ourselves. There is no greater hell, this side of eternity, than to be alienated from God and isolated from those who love us.

* Gratitude is absolutely necessary because it reminds us that we are to live lives of mutuality and love. God Himself exists as one God in three persons. God is an eternal community of supreme love and togetherness. Through gratitude we recognize where we belong.

* Gratitude reminds us that we have been transformed. It reminds us that we need to be transformed still. (Phil 3:12-14) Regularly expressing gratitude to God reminds us that we haven't "arrived" and we need continued help on the journey.

* Gratitude is central to our lives as Christians because it reminds us that God is more at work in our lives than we are. It reminds us that everything in our life is redeemable because God brings everything together for those, "who have been called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

* Gratitude should be a central activity in our life. As believers in Christ we should intentionally engage in the activity of giving thanks, not only because it is good for us but because Scripture calls us to. "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph 5:19-20) Not always easy, the discipline of gratitude draws us out of ourselves and helps us see God's work in our lives. Even when we don't feel like it giving thanks helps us see God's big picture and moves us to participate in his work.

I list gratitude as Missional Practice #1 because it lays a foundation for every other aspect of our community life. We express gratitude to God for including us in his life, for incorporating us into his family, and for moving us to participate in his mission.



Gratitude helps us live with open hands.

posted by The Wheatland Mission @ 11:12 PM