If you are a follower of Christ, you can recount multiple blessings from God’s gracious work in your salvation. Eternal life, the presence of the Holy Spirit, rich rewards, an heir and joint heir with Christ, eternal security, the ability to commune with God through His Word and prayer, real purpose … and on and on.
But there is one blessing you might overlook, and it is most important. Your life has turned from a detriment to this world to an instrument of blessing. You now have the capacity to bless God and bless others. You are an eternal difference-maker!
A PROFOUND CHANGE
Zechariah prophesied to the people of Israel in his day and reminded them of one astounding result of God’s deliverance … a benefit they may not have understood without God’s revelation.
“It will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.” (Zechariah 8:13)
While God’s people were rebelling against God, their lives brought everything evil and wrong to those around them. This led to their captivity in Babylon, a judgment against their rebellion. When God delivered them from that captivity, His rescue led to an amazing result. They were returned to their God and their land, and their lives began to bless, not curse, those around them.
THE PURPOSE OF YOUR SALVATION
Think of your life. When you were walking without Christ, you gave nothing of spiritual value to the world. Your witness was to yourself, encouraging others to live a life without God. Everything about this was detrimental to others. If left in your condition without Christ, your life would have been of no benefit to others. In fact, it could have led many to a Christless life and a Christless eternity.
But when God rescued you by His grace, everything changed for you. From pride to humility. From independence to dependent faith. From a self-absorbed life to an unselfish life. From serving yourself to serving others. Your life went from harming others to helping others in what matters and lasts. Your life now shows others the value of knowing Christ.
Like Abraham, God has blessed you to be a blessing to the world and bring glory to God. What a privilege and what a responsibility! But the scope of this blessing will rest upon your understanding of this great opportunity and your daily cooperation with Him.
Look for those around you who need Christ’s salvation. Help them see the great value of trusting Christ. Realize your role in bringing the witness of a redeemed life to others. Maximize this opportunity by living in total surrender and service to the One who blessed us to be a blessing!
Father, thank You for the unimaginable blessing of our salvation. Now Father, use us to bless those around us. To help them see the reality and beauty of life with God. Give me eyes to see those whom you can bless through me today.
