The Power of Humility and Thankfulness

Thanksgiving!  What a day!  Often, during this holiday. we make plans to gather with friends and/or family to enjoy a feast of our favourite foods. We engage in thoughtful conversation and then we nap! 

In our family one of the traditions we have is to share with each other a thought about what we are thankful for.  We sit around the dinner table, food prepared and placed so decoratively by my wife, and take time to express some of our "gratitudes" with each other.  Once everyone has had the chance to share, we pray for God's blessing on the food and express gratitude for his care for each one of us.  Then we dig in! 

Q:  What specific traditions do you engage with for Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving is the perfect time for us to reflect on the significance of having humility and maintaining thankfulness in our lives. While the holiday season often tempts us to focus on material blessings and indulgence, the Bible encourages us to cultivate a heart of humility and thankfulness as fundamental virtues in our personal and professional journeys. 

Humility: A Foundational Virtue
Humility is an essential quality for Christians, whether in business or our personal life. It involves recognizing our limitations and acknowledging that all we have comes from God. Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)  captures this idea, saying, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." 

In this context, humility reminds us that success is not solely our own doing. Our talents, opportunities, and achievements are gifts from God. This realization should foster a sense of gratitude and a desire to use our resources and influence to benefit others. By humbly serving our families, employees, customers, and partners, we can create an environment built on trust and respect, which ultimately leads to more successful and fulfilling endeavours, not only for ourselves, but also for those connected to us. 

Thankfulness: An Attitude of Gratitude
The season of Thanksgiving is the perfect time to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. The passage found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) exhorts us to
"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Notice that it doesn't say give thanks FOR all circumstances, but IN all circumstances. This distinction is vital, as it encourages us to find reasons for gratitude even DURING our challenging times. 

As we strive to live the Christian life, challenges are inevitable. In business, during the economic downturns, tough competition, or personal setbacks, maintaining an attitude of thankfulness can transform how we approach these difficulties. When we thank God for the lessons learned in adversity, for the strength to persevere, and for the opportunities for growth, we become better leaders and entrepreneurs. Also, expressing gratitude towards our employees, clients, and partners can foster strong relationships built on trust and goodwill. 

A Heart of Thanksgiving: Inspiring Others
Thanksgiving is not just about personal reflection; it's also about inspiring those around us to embrace humility and thankfulness. Colossians 3:16 (NIV) encourages us to "let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." This verse emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of humility and thankfulness with our family members, colleagues, employees, and business associates. 

As Corpath members, we have a unique opportunity to be ambassadors of these values in the workplace. By leading with humility and expressing thankfulness openly, we set an example for those we engage with on a regular basis. Our actions and words can create a culture of gratitude and humility that draws people closer to God. As we inspire others to embrace these virtues, we contribute positively to their lives and their success. 

Final thought...

Thanksgiving is a time for us to rekindle our commitment to humility and thankfulness. These virtues are not only consistent with our faith but also have a deep impact on our personal and professional lives. By embracing humility as a foundational virtue, nurturing an attitude of gratitude, and inspiring others to do the same, we can create families and businesses that not only thrive but also bring glory to God. 

This Thanksgiving, let us remember that true success in business, life and spirit is found in having a humble and thankful heart. 

My Prayer:

My Heavenly Father,
As I gather with friends and family during this Thanksgiving season, I humbly come before you, recognizing that all I have and all I am is a gift from your gracious hand. I thank you for the blessings you've poured into my life, both personally and in my businesses.

Lord, I seek your guidance and wisdom to embrace humility in my business endeavours. Help me to remember that success is not solely my own achievement but a reflection of your providence. May I value others above myself, serving family members, employees, customers, and partners with humility and respect.

I also ask for the strength to maintain an attitude of thankfulness in all circumstances. Teach me to find reasons for gratitude, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Help me to be grateful for the lessons learned and the opportunities for growth that come my way.

In all these things, I give thanks for your unwavering love and guidance. May my life and businesses be a testament to your goodness, humility, and thankfulness.

Amen.

Steve Shrout 
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca

"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"

Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone.  Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.

 Attached to this is a printable/ fillable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection.  I encourage you to print it, answer the questions, and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought.  You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.