We are Blessed to Bless Others

Oh how I enjoy Thanksgiving! Turkey, cranberry sauce, and the Dallas Cowboys (and yes my family)!

Phil Risley did a great job Sunday night preaching and teaching on thankfulness. He talked about how the majority of the world faces hardship and how many Americans (most of us) are tremendously blessed. I’ve often talked about how the majority of the world is impoverished and that the majority of Christians in the world are persecuted. Phil’s specific source pointed out some telling numbers. For example, more than 3 billion people suffer religious persecution; 75% of the world struggle to have food, clothes, shelter, and a place to sleep; and “if you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish some place, then you’re among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.” I tried to find the original source, but found not one but many sources that had the same information; this was one source that said the same thing, click here to read it while it might not be totally accurate, it’s probably as close to reality as one could estimate.

When I think of how many people worldwide suffer and go without I do count myself as being blessed and fortunate. There is a tension, however, in my spirit with realizing my blessings. I almost feel guilty for somehow being spared and/or blessed. Why do I have such a blessed life, when so many innocently suffer? Why do I have riches (so to speak) when many more in the world are poor? My feeling is something like survivor’s guilt; like when someone survives a devastation or accident where others lost their lives.

I don’t think such guilt comes from the Lord, but I do believe that God convicts Christians to share what they do have with the many more who do not have.

I think growing up into the image of Christ means learning how to become poor for the sake and benefit of others.

We’re most like Christ when we sacrificially give to others with no thought of return or repayment.

Jesus is coming back to check out how we are taking care of his creation, people, and world . . . We should remember, “for unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be much required.”