Is it selfish to thank God for special blessings He has bestowed on you or your loved ones? This question was raised in our community several years ago. A powerful tornado had demolished a store, but the owner and several people had escaped unhurt. The businessman said he prayed, thanking God for keeping them safe. A local minister, though, responded by saying he thought such a prayer was selfish, especially since others in the area had been killed or injured.

It would have been selfish if that businessman had said, "Lord, I am thankful that the three people killed in that tornado were members of the Jones family instead of mine." But he didn't pray that way. He simply expressed gratitude to the Lord for what He had done in sparing him and his friends.

Do you possess good health? Thank God for it. Do you live in a comfortable house and have enough to eat? Praise God for what He has given to you. The psalmist said, "It is good to give thanks to the Lord" (92:1). But don't stop there. Accompany your thanksgiving with intercession for the ill and the needy. Then do what you can to help them.

It's not selfish to thank God for special favors He has done for you. In fact, you would be selfish if you didn't.  — Herbert Vander Lugt