Spiritual Blessings

I believe that everyone desires to be blessed. Who would not want to be on the receiving end of a kind act, an undeserved favor or perhaps just good fortune and some timely circumstances? Even the unbeliever desires to be blessed.

But what does it mean to be blessed by God?

In God’s Word it says,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”
–Ephesians 1:3

In this passage, Paul writes that our Heavenly Father (God) has blessed us (the believer) with EVERY spiritual blessing in Christ. Not just one or two blessings, but EVERY spiritual blessing. God is not trying to hold back certain blessings from us. He wants us to know EVERY spiritual blessing in Christ so that spiritually, all of our inward needs are met.

So what are these Spiritual blessings?

They are the blessings that result from God’s amazing grace and His love toward those He has chosen. They include eternal life, adoption as sons and daughters, forgiveness of sins, an inheritance, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and more. Spiritual blessings are eternal and secure, giving you everything you need for living the abundant life in Christ. They help you to have true hope, peace and contentment, while granting you all things needed to stand equipped against darkness, to be spiritually nourished, to receive instruction, even preparing you for death on earth. Spiritual blessings give you every provision for every circumstance…they are sufficient because Christ is sufficient. He alone is the source of every spiritual blessing that you have been
blessed with.

But here lies the problem…we often become more interested in receiving earthly blessings than possessing our spiritual ones. If a believer is more satisfied in earthly blessings, then he becomes carnally minded. An earthly blessing is temporary and is usually based on something physical, circumstantial, or materialistic. Yes, these blessings are well received and often more than we deserve, bringing us to our knees in thankfulness… but how often do we find ourselves asking God to bless us with this or with that? Here’s a comparative look at a few blessings from both sides. Ask yourself, what you would rather be blessed with…

a new HEART or a new television?
to be a CO-HEIR to the throne or to have a position of authority at work?
eternal CROWNS & REWARDS or a million dollar bankroll?
a love RELATIONSHIP with Christ or a close relationship with a friend?

Our focus needs to be on knowing and reaping the benefits of EVERY spiritual blessing rather than the earthly blessings. For if we have no appreciation for spiritual blessings, then ultimately we are living at the level of animals. Existing to eat, sleep, survive, reproduce and to entertain ourselves. But we are not animals, we are made in the image of God and He has a purpose for our lives. He wants to bless us and to show us His great loving character, so that we can understand and experience Christ our King at a deeper level. And if God does graciously decide to shower earthly blessings our way, be grateful, giving praise to a kind and loving Lord.

By Micah Williams