Worthy of God’s Blessings!

There is an incident recorded in Luke 10:1-12 where Jesus sent His followers out two by two.  Jesus gave clear instructions, asking them not to carry money, a bag, a knapsack, or sandals.  Whenever they entered a house, Jesus instructed them to say, "Peace to this house." Jesus said if a son of peace were in the place, then peace would rest on him, and if not, it would return to the disciples!  There is a profound principle here!  Just because someone pronounced a blessing of peace, peace will not be in that person's life; he has to deserve it!  When people pray for us, they pronounce many blessings upon our lives.  We sometimes stand in long queues to get prayed over with blessings so that our lives would be blessed.  We do not inherit those blessings just because someone proclaimed them over us!  I believe, for me to inherit those blessings, I have to be worthy of those blessings.  Otherwise, they will go back to the giver!  

I am not preaching a Gospel of works.  We can do nothing to earn our salvation.  It is free and pure grace of God.  We inherit salvation only by faith.  But the Bible places a lot of importance on how we live our lives after our salvation!  The Bible teaches us to bear fruits worthy of repentance because every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 3:8-10).  Ephesians 4:1 says.  "Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."  The Amplified Bible explains what "worthy living" means as follows: A life worthy of the calling is a life that daily exhibits godly character, has moral courage and personal integrity, behaves maturely, and expresses thankfulness and gratitude to God for all He has done.  Such living is possible only when we focus on the Word of God and desire to obey everything it commands.  Then, we will be worthy of the Peace of God and His blessings as well. 

My friend,  do not chase after people seeking God's blessings.  It is of no use.  God's advice to Joshua is relevant for us even today: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.  For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Joshua 1:8).  May the Lord help us to make the Bible focus of our lives.

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