by Bill Pevlor
For the most part, the Christian world had been duped into thinking the highest calling of Christianity is being “blessed.” Some Christian circles have become nothing more than “bless me” clubs. Blessing is a definite part of the Christian life, it is a promised result of Godly living and I’m all for seeking the blessing of God. To simply strive for blessing, however, is the lowest level of Christianity. As Christians, our highest calling is to be a blessing.
Many Christians, on a personal quest to find the blessing of God, often miss the opportunities God places before them to be a blessing to others. The Kingdom of God operates on a different set of standards than the world. Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) To be first in the Kingdom of God would be a major blessing. So, if you want to be first in God’s Kingdom, look for ways to serve and be a blessing to others.
The good news is that anyone can be a blessing. You may feel your life is insignificant and unimportant, but let me assure you – you can be a blessing! As a Christian, your destiny is one of blessing others. You don’t have to be a gifted singer, speaker or foreign missionary to be a blessing. You need only to be willing. Let me give you an example.
Saul was a man who, after an encounter with Jesus, became known as the Apostle Paul. He was a great man of God who wrote nearly half of the New Testament and spread the gospel to the far corners of the known world; including the household of Caesar. We’ve all heard of the Apostle Paul. But have you heard of Ananias?
In the 9th chapter of the book of Acts there was a man named Ananias. The Bible tells us that the Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision and told him to go to Saul and restore his sight. The Lord told Ananias that Saul (remember Saul will later have his name changed to Paul) was God’s chosen instrument to carry the Lord’s name before all men. Saul’s eyes had been blinded by his previous encounter with the Lord. Saul was staying in Damascus; praying and, no doubt, confused with no clue of his future.
Ananias was faithful to the prompting of the Lord and found Saul. He placed his hands on Saul and Saul’s sight was restored and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Ananias, no doubt, shared with Saul (soon to become Paul) what the Lord had told him about Saul’s future ministry, and, as they say, “the rest is history.” Of course, we all know of Paul’s success, but after this event, Ananias is never mentioned again in scripture.
Ananias wasn’t a big-shot. And, thank God, He wasn’t a member of the “bless me” club, merely interested in his own blessing. He was ready and willing to be a blessing. In fact, the only notable thing Ananias did was to offer himself as a servant willing to bless another. As insignificant as his life might have seemed, Ananias was a vital link in the chain of events that produced one of God’s greatest men; the Apostle Paul.
We often forget the Anne Sullivans who play such important roles in the lives of Helen Kellers. In our day of distorted values, we often think our lives are of little importance. Being blinded by the dazzle and the desire of another blessing, we often lose sight of the potential in our own, seemingly small, efforts to bless others.
When you offer yourself as a servant intent on blessing others you rise to the highest calling of Christianity. Every blessing you extend to others, no matter how seemingly small, is significant in the Kingdom of God.
Let me say to members of the “bless me” club, this thing we call the Christian life is not just about you. It’s really about others. I saw a bumper sticker encouraging “Random Acts of Kindness.” I thought it was a good idea. Still, a better idea would be “Deliberate, Premeditated Acts of Blessing.” Don’t pass up opportunities today to bless someone else. You could be ministering to the next Apostle Paul.