During our worship time with a fellowship, we have a testimony-sharing portion.
It is when believers share what the Lord has done the previous week.
When I started attending the group, the first thing I noticed about the testimony time was the concept of ‘blessings’ you received from the Lord.
It says, “The Lord bless me with…(enumerate material things)…this week”.
Somebody used to start his testimony with, “Despite my weaknesses and being not so good; the Lord has blessed me with…(enumerate material things)”.
For a moment, I thought it was excellent and fabulous that the people here attribute their material things, work, and accomplishments to God.
Also, there were many instances in the fellowship when nobody stood up to share something. So the leader would persuade (“coerce” could be a better term) the congregation by saying, “So, not one of you received any blessing from the Lord this week?”
I also see how this material understanding of ‘blessing’ is promoted through social media, particularly on Facebook.
There’s nothing wrong with publishing your new things like fabulous clothes, precious jewellery, delicious foods, posh hotels, five-star dining, places of luxury, the latest car models and much more.
Social media is one great venue for people to exercise their freedom of expression.
And who can judge the person’s motivation for sharing their ‘blessings’ on Facebook except for God, who only knows the heart and mind of men?
So before the testimony time became a mere avenue for boasting about material things and achievements, I explained in one of our meetings that ‘blessings’ aren’t limited to material things only.
I presented that if ‘blessing’ is limited to gaining material things, how about those lacking right now? Are we saying that they are less blessed? Or are we saying the Lord God is failing them?
Life trials are also blessings because they establish dependence on God and strengthen your faith.
Reading the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12, we discover that Jesus Christ never mentioned any material things some people love to label as ‘blessings’ in social media or in church testimony times.
Jesus Christ said:
- “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
- Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for, in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Working abroad offers many opportunities to earn well for our families back home.
Still, we are genuinely blessed only by having Jesus Christ in our hearts and following his humility.
I hope this short reflection encourages us to attain the blessedness that Jesus Christ wanted us to have.
The posts below are the continuation of this teaching series.
Are You Living a Blessed Life?
Just when you thought you had nothing that would impress the material world, think about having the real bread of life – Jesus Christ.
The Real Food Blessed People Eat
Those expensive and rare foods that have been used to convey a blessed life don’t qualify as real food. Jesus presents a different one.
Living the Blessed Life – Eating ‘Flesh and Blood’
How can we eat Jesus’ flesh and blood to live blessed lives? By following, obeying Jesus Christ, and living for His glory and honour.
Continue Reading Living the Blessed Life – Eating ‘Flesh and Blood’
Let’s accept it Jonan that Christians today (and there are many of them) have become “lovers of this world”. You are right, in sharing time it has always been “the Lord has blessed us this week with such and such” > the manifestation and the truth about the devil has gotten out of the Garden and that slimy little green thing that enticed The Woman is now well entrenched in all places around us: at the shopping malls, the internet, billboards, radio and everywhere. >
what happened to our conviction that “if we are of God; we are not of this world”? > it has taken a backseat because now even Christians have created other gods that can please their insatiable desire and obsession for things > God is left with crumbs and the bulk of those blessings are offered to the “Lord of the Malls” >
It is very sad sometimes especially when our churches are not even half-filled all because there are so many attractions on Sundays other than the church > for us the church is central into our lives. we are excited to the coming of every Sunday because we are going to celebrate another day to be with our Lord Jesus. I wish it can be as simple as this.
Thank you for your comment Freddie. Please allow me to say “The Man” has been enticed too. 🙂