Be A Blessing TO God
There are basically four levels of Christianity when it comes to being blessed and being a blessing.
1. Many Christian either do not trust God will bless them for living Godly, or think God's way is restrictive and believe they would be happier if they, themselves, chose what they think will give them enjoyment. Therefor they live for themselves, and never know the blessings God gives to those who live for Him
Deuteronomy 11: 26. Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;
27. A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day:
28. And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known.
2. Then there are those who believe God's promise and want His blessings, so therefore try to live for God in order to receive them.
3. Then there are those who not only want to receive blessings, but want to be a blessing to others. These Christians are the ones who serve The Lord in some compacity, desiring to be used of Him in the lives of others. For years I have lived at this level. I seriously wanted to be used of God. and found great pleasure and satisfaction when God used me to influence others for good and for God. It is definitely a wonderful way to live! Recently, However, In my attempts to "draw closer to God", as I was praying The Holy Spirit spoke to me about a higher level yet. As I was asking God to bless me and make me a blessing to others, He gently asked me why I hadn't asked to be a blessing to Him! This led me to the following desires:
4. I not only want to receive blessings FROM God, I want to be a blessing TO God! I want Him to consider me a Blessing to Him by my life, and relationship with Him! I have often times asked Him to help me have an intimate, sweet relationship with Him that I could enjoy, but now I want Him to enjoy our relationship also! I want it to be a two-way street! Oh, that God would be pleased with me and take joy in our relationship! I also determined that I wanted God to know He could depend on me if He needed something done. Years ago, as a Pastor, I had three different funeral home directors ask me if I would be willing to preach funerals for those who were unchurched and had no pastor. These men were Christians and new if I were to preach a funeral, I would always include The Gospel. I was delighted to have that reputation. Now I want to have a similar relationship with God! I want Him to feel He can depend on me to do anything He wants done. Is there someone who has a spiritual need or meeds to be saved? Is there a church that God wants to give a special message? If so, I want Him to feel He can depend on me to accomplish there things.
Oh Christian, do not be so selfish as to only want to receive blessings FROM God, but desire to be a blessing to others and to God Himself!