Built to Last: A Strong Family in Church Plantingنموونە

GRATITUDE

Many aspects of church planting are thankless, especially behind-the-scenesthe work often done by the lead family. Chances are no one is standing by waiting to thank your daughter for the countless hours she serves in the nursery, or your son for faithfully laying out cards and pens each week. And a hundred other tasks no one knows about.

God is the one who keeps the books. He often rewards us in mysterious ways that don’t necessarily correlate to where we feel it should come from. This can mean special trips provided by another church or speaking engagements that pay much better than they should. He satisfies our secret hopes with surprises that remind us of His love for us.

Gratitude is an attitude of the heart. A lack of gratitude often comes from an impoverished spirit. A grateful heart opens us to a spirit of generosity. I encourage you to foster a heart of gratitude, both as an individual and with your family. Show thanks where you wish others would, both to God and to people, and it will begin to transform your understanding.

We’re going to read some of the ways the Bible’s authors gave thanks and put it into practice. Thank Him for salvation. Thank im to people who have come to know him. Thank him for your mentors. Thank him for your spouse and each of your children. Thank him for trials and temptations. Thank him for the miracles he’s done in the past. Thank him for the city you live in. Thank him for his constant provision. Thank him for his presence, his word, and his Holy Spirit.

I will never apologize for raising my kids in the ministry. It’s an honor to serve the King of kings in this way. I encourage you to speak positively of the ministry in your home and point out to your kids when special things happen because of your role. When their prayers are answered, celebrate the goodness of God, and watch them grow in gratitude!