I recently gave the 7th and 8th graders a challenge. It involved making a two-column log sheet and accurately recording the results for each column. The headings for each column were “Thankfulness” and “Whining and Complaining.” The point was that sometimes we think of ourselves differently than we actually are. I think all of us would like to think of ourselves as thankful people, but when we actually log how often we actually thank God and others, we may find that we actually assume a lot. We assume God knows we’re thankful, and that others know it as well, but as for verbally expressing that, it may be another story. And as for the “Whining and Complaining” column, if we carefully log that, we may be in for a rude awakening.

In his Small Catechism, Martin Luther gives this explanation for the Eighth Commandment (You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor): “We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him or her, slander him or her, or hurt his or her reputation, but defend him or her, speak well of him or her, and explain everything in the kindest way.” We usually think about this commandment as simply not to tell lies about someone or gossip. Those are indeed the negative things to avoid. But besides a negative side, just like a battery, each Commandment has a positive side – what we should do. One of the ways we “speak well of him or her” and “explain everything in the kindest way” is to focus on the things that we can give thanks about when it comes to our neighbor.

But as sinners, it’s much easier to whine and complain (and not even recognize it as such). For instance, during this upcoming weekend’s worship services we will hear about Jesus healing a man who was born blind. One would think when people found out what Jesus had done, they would celebrate with the man who could now see and honor Jesus. But by this point, many of the leaders had become “anti Jesus,” and were entrenched in the whining and complaining mindset against Him. When they found out He healed the man on the Sabbath, they immediately accused Him of not being from God since He broke the command against working.

That sounds so ridiculous, until we take the time to log our thankfulness against our whining and complaining, and we see ourselves as people who are also often too quick to emphasize what we perceive as negative rather than rejoice in the positive. And, unfortunately, that can spread.

So how do we wish to be perceived, not only by others, but especially by our Lord? How about trying this: Make a list that is only one column: “I am Thankful for...” and fill in as much as you can, including things that we have been blessed with as a Beautiful Savior family. And, as you are able, express that thankfulness to God and others.

With praise and thanksgiving to God ever-living, The tasks of our ev’ryday life we will face. Our faith ever sharing, in love ever caring, Embracing His children of each tribe and race. With Your feast You feed us, With Your light now lead us; Unite us as one in this life that we share. Then may all the living With praise and thanksgiving Give honor to Christ and His name that we bear. Lutheran Service Book #643, v. 2