Where are you most likely to see people in a photo with the caption “blessed”?
On a beach in Cancun or in a pew at church?
After they just bought a new car or after reading a new chapter in the Bible they had never read before?
Are we in danger of losing the meaning of “blessed,” or at least giving it a very narrow definition? Some churches lean into that material attitude fully, and make no apologies about it. They closely associate being blessed by God with your personal financial prosperity and health. Are you moving up, living the American dream, getting ahead? That’s a sign you have God’s favor. If not, something must be wrong.
I read a few books on the “prosperity gospel” a number of years ago. One of the prosperity preachers claimed: “God never planned that we should live in poverty, either physical, mental, or spiritual. He made Israel the head of the nations financially. When we go into partnership with Him, and we learn His ways of doing business, we cannot be failures.” Revealing a very money-and-success oriented way of seeing God’s blessings.
The Beatitudes in Matthew 5 give a much fuller and spiritual view of being blessed by the Lord. Blessed are the pure in heart and the peacemakers. Blessed even are those who mourn, who are meek, and are persecuted.
Even though everything, including the material, is from God’s gracious hand, our vacations and homes and cars and clothing are not the sign of God’s favor. In good and bad financial times, in good and bad health, you are blessed! Through faith in Jesus the kingdom of heaven is yours, you will be shown mercy, and you will see God. Take a minute to read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12 and refresh your perspective on the true blessings we enjoy in Christ!