In the last 24 hours alone I have overheard Biola students say they have been blessed by convenient parking, manageable class schedules and compliments about their physical appearance.
John 1:16 says, “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.” I am so grateful that my fellow Biolans and I have seen this verse at work in our lives every single day. It amazes me that we experience the blessing of living in this country and going to this school. It also makes my heart break that others do not share this blessing.
In fact, some people only own one pair of shoes or have classes on Fridays. I do my best to pray for these people and donate clothes I do not like anymore so that the “non-blessed,” as I call them, do not have to rely on other non-blessed clothing sources. Hebrews 7:7 tells me as the superior person that I indisputably am, to bless the inferior.
I also read my Bible of course. It is my responsibility to do that sort of thing since I am blessed with a new car and shiny hair. The other day I read about other people who had to endure terrible life circumstances so that they could feel like they might be blessed one day too. In Matthew’s gospel, for instance, it says that the poor, hungry, insulted, crying and persecuted are blessed. Various letters from the New Testament also say that those who persevere under trial, the martyrs and those who await the Day of the Lord will receive blessings.
If only those people knew that those words were just a consolation prize. When I tune in to church on Sunday mornings and watch pastor Joel Osteen’s inspirational broadcast, he reminds me that all I need to do is try to be a good Christian and then say to God, “I am positioned for a blessing.” Try a simple shift of perspective on your three mile walk for clean water, or even when you have to wake up too early for chapel.
For my part I can keep sharing, via exuberant conversation and exclamatory Facebook status updates, which detail the fruits of the blessings I have already received so that the non-blessed might not lose hope for their futures. Next time a friend remembers your birthday, share your blessings loud and proud.
Did you find the above article vapid and offensive? Good. I hope we can all have more consideration for the implications of our words. Please celebrate the joys and pleasures of your life and the goodness of our wonderful, powerful God, but remember that your material possessions are not a #blessing.
