It’s Thanksgiving! Time for a “self-check” on gratitude. A mindset of gratitude makes a huge difference, even when things are difficult or painful.
So, if you had a Gratitude Scale that measured how thankful you are, where would you score on a scale 1-10?
Let’s explore “mindset of gratitude.” But first – let’s have some fun with that Gratitude Scale we mentioned.
Gratitude Scale
A Gratitude Scale is a simple tool that helps you determine your level of gratitude. In other words, it helps measure how thankful you are. The scale ranges from 1 to 10 where 1 represents “not very grateful” and 10 represents “very grateful.”
Each face represents a number from 1 to 10. Use the following questions to select your “gratitude face.”
Of course, this Gratitude Scale is very subjective. It involves 2 things:
- “Self-evaluating.”
- “Self-reporting.”
So, answer honestly to get a good read on your mindset of gratitude.
With that in mind, here are some questions to help select your “gratitude face.”
Gratitude Scale Questions
How grateful am I each day in all circumstances? Particularly difficult ones.- Do I display and communicate gratitude as I interact with others, do my work, enjoy down-time, speak my mind?
- How do I respond when unexpected problems hit? Do these intrusions affect my thankfulness? If so, why?
- Am I aware of an exceeding number of blessings that co-exist alongside my troubles?
- How often do I take time to list my blessings?
- Do I regularly thank God for all these good things?
- Do I remember Jesus is my greatest blessing? (The cross, forgiveness, new beginnings, eternal life, hope.)
- What keeps me from gratitude?
- Am I bitter?
- Angry?
- Resentful?
- Moody?
- Is my heart so wounded I’ve lost sight of blessings?
- How much stress ripples out from me?
- Do I serve “self” more than I serve God? (I was created by and for God – not for myself. – Col. 1:16)
- Have I forgotten I am “bought at a price” and belong to God? (1 Cor. 6:20)
- What practical things can I do to increase my level of gratitude?
- List specific things I should step away from (habits, patterns, expectations) that hinder a thankful heart.
Figure Your Score
First, study your answers. What do they tell you about yourself?
Next, develop action points to increase gratitude and decrease self-focus.
After that, pray over your answers and action points. God wants to help you grow a mindset of gratitude.
Finally, mentally place yourself on the Gratitude Scale by answering 3 final questions:
- Where do I place myself right now (not ideally) on the Gratitude Scale?
- What score would I like to have in the near future?
- What score would God give me on His Gratitude Scale?
Where You Scored
Now that you’ve mentally “scored yourself” as truthfully as you can –
- Record your honest score. Next to your honest score, record your ideal score (what you picture yourself scoring at your best).
- Where does your honest score depend on your mood?
- How much depends on your circumstances? Health? Fatigue or frustration? Stress?
- Do circumstances outside your control affect your gratitude?
- How do other people affect your score?
- Does your score agree with God’s score for you?
Remember: If you skew your answers, your score will be skewed. Prayerfully search your soul and answer honestly to get an honest score. Essentially, it’s a great way to examine your mindset of gratitude.
Incidentally, this Gratitude Scale can be a fun activity at your Thanksgiving gathering.
You Can Change Your Score
Great news! You can change your score. Compare your honest score with your ideal score.
- What would it take to shift your honest score closer to your ideal score?
- What perspectives should you change in life?
- How will you remind yourself to be more grateful? Be specific.
- What changes will you practice to be more thankful from your heart?
Mindset Of Gratitude
Jesus was in the habit of being grateful. He trusted His Father was busy doing things that could not be seen. Plus, He believed God helps those who trust Him. Additionally, Jesus remembered God helps in all difficulties.
Equally, Jesus’ close relationship with God was His secret. This suggests that knowing God is most important in life.
In conclusion, aim to know God better. Knowing God and enjoying Him is the mindset that turns your life into a purposeful adventure.
Mindset Affects Daily Life
Life still has difficulties and losses. Nevertheless, those hardships run alongside many blessings that are also present. Troubles don’t erase good things still present.
It’s important to have a balanced perspective. Mindset affects everything, each day.
This means that a mindset of gratitude has power.
Mindset is No Guarantee For an Easy Life
Living as a Jesus follower puts you in God’s family. In fact, Jesus is your big brother!
However, belonging to God does not guarantee trouble-free days. You will still have trials, temptations, and even sad times. Losses don’t just disappear. However, the Spirit of Jesus (who lives in you) gives everything you need.
Life Is Hard!
You’ve likely experienced the harshness of life. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.” (Jn. 16:33)
Jesus knows the scourge of life. That’s why He provides everything you need for an Alive and Active Life!
Remarkably, Jesus also gives hope. Listen to this phrase – “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
So, the whole verse goes like this – “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.“ (Jn. 16:33)
That’s hope-inspiring! In fact, because Jesus shares His mind-set with you, it changes everything!
4 Mindset Blessings
God takes care of His children by providing resources. He is “for” you and wants you to succeed. Here are some provisions He makes for you.
1. Promises
God makes promises and intends to keep every single one.
Here are some examples:
- “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6c) That’s great!
- “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jer. 31:3) That’s even better!
- “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Is. 41:10) That’s confident hope!
Scripture is packed with promises God intends to keep. Perhaps the question is – Do you intend to claim God’s promises?
2. Healing, Renewal/Refreshment, Companionship
Jesus gives you “three-in-one”: healing, renewal/refreshment, and companionship.
Even as you face pain and disappointment in life, Christ’s life inside you restores hope. Of course, He does this by healing you when life wounds you. “I am the Lord who heals you.” (Ex. 15:26c)
Additionally, Jesus renews your life with refreshing power. Interestingly, He boldly claims, ” . . . satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Ps. 103:5) And – “He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths . . .” (Ps. 23:3)
Consider His companionship. Christ lives in your spirit and body after you trust Him for salvation. So, as you experience losses, struggles, sufferings, trials, and disappointments in life – He experiences them along with you. Just as real. He promises, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6)
Remarkably, Christ’s life inside you changes your mindset.
3. God’s Word
I encourage you to spend time in God’s Word each day. Develop a hunger for it. Scripture transforms you as you believe and obey it.
God always keeps His Word. As a result, life becomes an adventure. Plus, difficult seasons become manageable.
4. Alive and Active Mindset Each Day
To have this, you must sculpt your thoughts, attitudes, moods, and words – to match God’s. These action points help –
- Draw close to God no matter how you feel.
- Trust His love and wisdom in every detail.
- Obey Him even when it’s hard.
- Practice His character. What you practice is what you become.
- Ask God to transform you into Christ’s likeness. It’s a miracle He gives you.
- Practice thankfulness even when life is disappointing.
These action points help you live an Alive and Active Life!
Mindset Has A Time Limit
Your life on earth is the only time you can choose a mindset of gratitude to God. Jesus is coming back one day. Then, the opportunity to practice gratitude of your own choosing will be gone.
Incidentally, expressing gratitude even during suffering – changes you. Afterall, you don’t know how long you will live. So, work inside your time limit.
Application Thoughts And Questions
How did you score on the Gratitude Scale?- What did you learn about your mindset of gratitude?
- What can you change so you will be more thankful?
- Which character qualities of Christ do you need to practice?
- Do you practice gratitude when life is hard?
- Are you in God’s Word daily?
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