Be Humble and Give Thanks

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

I've traveled to Africa on several occasions and love learning about its unique, tribal culture. One thing that impressed me is the remarkable way some tribes express their gratitude and/or thankfulness.  

The Masai tribe expresses thanks by placing their foreheads on the ground and saying, "My head is in the dirt." Another African Tribe communicates gratitude by sitting for a long time in front of the hut of the individual whom they want to thank, saying, "I sit on the ground before you."

These tribes practice what many in the West have forgotten: A core attitude of thanksgiving is humility. Their way of expressing gratitude clearly represents that.

There is a strong connection between thanksgiving and humility which, perhaps, is often overlooked. Thankful people recognize their need. They are humbled by the generosity of the giver. 

A Christ follower understands this as well. Recognizing their need, and the generosity of THE Giver, they are humbled by every “good and perfect gift” that comes “from above...from the Father...” [James 1:17].

True humility will be accompanied by gratitude, and the grateful will grow in the attractive characteristic of humility.  

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 7:11-12