Christian Living

A Blessed Life, Or Obedient Life?

by John Clark 
06/01/16
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There is much emphasis today on having a blessed life. There is a radio program called, "The Blessed Life." People say, "May God bless you." People continually seek to be blessed. But what about obedience and godliness? Oh, but the average Christian would rather talk about blessing. There is, of course, nothing wrong with being blessed. However, there is one problem. II Timothy 3:12 teaches that "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." So, is it not possible to be both godly and blessed?

     Obedience and faithfulness, a major theme all through scripture, can easily lead to persecution because it means that people who choose these two attributes may go against the grain of the culture which says to take care of yourself, feel good about yourself, and don't have any moral or spiritual foundation. Obedience and godliness means to not compromise one's beliefs and convictions. It means to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit whether or not it is convenient, or takes you out of your comfort zone. Added to this is the teaching of Jesus, that "if anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me"(Matthew 16:24). This could mean living a sacrificial life, a life of hardship, or bearing some kind of burden, could it not?  Many of the well-known pillars of the Christian faith have not lived blessed lives, by current standards. They simply have been obedient. There was Noah, Moses, Abraham, the Apostle Paul, and dozens more down through history. In the present day there is Mother Teresa and Pastor Saeed. What about the Christians being persecuted around the world as you read this? What about all of the godly and obedient Christians in America, the land of blessing, who have lost their businesses or incomes simply because they have refused to compromise their beliefs? 

     Compared to many people in the world, if you have a roof over your head, a car to drive, a job to go to, food on the table, and heat and running water, you are extremely blessed, already. Why seek more blessing? Rather, more Christians should be seeking to live godly and obedient lives in accordance to biblical teaching. 

     Real blessing comes from doing what God would have you do with a humble heart.  It is remaining faithful to one's calling. But God's uniquely designed vision for your life may not be necessarily nice, or comfortable, or convenient, or glamorous. It may take you into an unwanted and even dangerous environment, or to unloving and difficult people. It means to humble yourself to help others experience the love of God and come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. 

     If you truly want to be blessed read and apply the words of Psalm 41:1-3. "How blessed is he who considers the helpless; the Lord will deliver him in a day of trouble. The Lord will protect him and keep him alive, and he shall be called blessed upon the earth; and do not give him over to the desire of his enemies. The Lord will sustain him upon his sickbed; in his illness, Thou dost restore him to health." 

     What kind of blessing do you want?