Choosing Gratitude
“In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” -Philippians 2:3-4
Did you know gratitude improves self-esteem? It’s true. I recently read a book in which the author cited numerous scientific studies proving that gratitude is good for your brain and your overall health. Of all the benefits she listed, the impact on our self-esteem is what stood out to me most, because like many people, I often struggle with comparison and insecurity. It makes sense when you think about it. If we choose to be grateful for what we have, who we are, and the opportunities we’ve been given, it allows us to celebrate others without envy. Gratitude frees us to put others first. We can applaud the success of others because we are doing as Paul says; we are humbly valuing others above ourselves. When I choose gratitude, I’m boosting my self-confidence. I’m standing firmly rooted in the person God made me to be. I’m not looking to my left or to my right, but instead, I’m looking to my Creator and saying, “Thank you for making me just as I am.” I don’t need to be like anyone else, as good as anyone else, or better than anyone else. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” Envy and pride are at the heart of comparison, and they are in direct opposition to humility. We are called to love by putting others first, and when we do, we cultivate a heart of gratitude for who we are in Christ.
Study & Reflection: Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Who does God say you are? I see words like chosen, adopted, blameless, redeemed, and forgiven. Write out what each of these words means to you specifically. How does remembering these truths help you stay grounded in gratitude? Read Psalm 139. You are known, seen, and loved by your Maker. Take some time to thank Him for creating you, for the reminder that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Prayer: Father, help us to fix our eyes on You, our Designer and Maker. When we are tempted to be envious of others, gently remind us how much You’ve already given us and who You’ve made us to be. Turn our hearts away from jealousy. Humble us. Free us from comparison so that we can celebrate the good work You’re doing for others. May we put others first, just as Jesus put us first. Root our feet deep in the soil of gratitude, where envy and pride cannot take hold. Amen.