Blessed to bless others
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much... God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:1-4, 8-9 God is more concerned not in what you do but who you become. He is interested in your being for out of it flow your actions and behaviors. God wants to produce in you godliness. “You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself” (Psalm 4:3). From the text, the Apostle Paul reminded those that came to know Christ and surrendered their lives to His lordship. Before they were dead in their sins but through the richness of God’s grace He brought them into a life of meaning and purpose. The grace you receive when you believed Him now resulted in good works. You were not saved because of the good things that you did but to what He did for you on the cross. Your relationship with Christ gave you a desire to live your life pleasing Him. Now you strive by His grace to live a life of righteousness so you could bring glory to Him. Your relationship with Christ produces all these good deeds. The Holy Spirit within is the One working through you so you will be identified belonging to God. “And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago” (Ephesians 1:13). When you are secured in your identity, it gives you peace and the joy to live out your life following His purpose. What a great privilege to know that you have a special place in God’s heart! You do not need to worry nor wonder if God hears your prayers. “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him” (1 John 5:14). You do not need the accolade and praise of others for nothing can compare to the recognition that God gave you and continues to give you. God is doing this so that people around you will see God’s great goodness and grace. “So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7). What a privilege to be a child of God and to serve Him for His glory! God blessed you so you could be a blessing to others.
Blessings,
