This is the time of the year where, as a pastor, you will be receiving Christmas cards from parishioners stuffed with movie tickets, gifts cards to your favorite restaurant, or maybe even some cold hard cash. When this happens, make sure you hand write a thank you note.
We read in Luke 17:11-17, Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?
Jesus expects us to not just feel appreciation, but to express it. The nine lepers who never returned to thank Jesus no doubt felt grateful that they were healed, but they failed to outwardly express their inner gratitude. May this never be true of you! Writing thank you notes:
- Pleases God
- Helps you develop an attitude of gratitude
- And encourages future gifts!
At New Day I also have custom thank you cards close by and ready to go. They simply say “New Day Church” on the front and were designed with our brand colors. The inside is blank and they come with envelopes that are just the right side for the thank you note. If you don’t already have something like this, I would strongly encourage you to get some. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference.