"Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it is burned." (Hebrews 6:7-8)
This passage teaches us that we must utilize the great blessings we have been given. God is constantly bringing people in our lives, giving us certain triumphs, successes, and gifts. A man that appreciates those blessings and uses them to further the mission of God is one that will be blessed. But someone that does not realize what they have around them or someone that realizes what they have and does nothing with it, is doing wrong. Please note that it does not say "will not be blessed" but "cursed" and "burned", which are pretty harsh words.
But when you stop and think about it this really makes good sense. I think many of us are very lucky to be where we are today, with the great support we have around us, the incredible talents we were given, the freedom of being an American, etc and yet we do not see these blessings as an opportunity to give back. We see this as a "right" and something that we deserve. There is a reason that you have what you have and a reason you have been blessed. That reason is not so that you will simply enjoy it. You have been hand picked for a greater purpose. Those blessings have been sent as an almost test to see how you respond. So many times we see God strip us of things for which we do not appreciate. He also rewards us when he feels we have done right but more importantly gives us blessings that he believes we can work with to further his Kingdom.
Think of these blessings as tools and not as gifts. God is equipping you for his mission with everything you need to fulfill His purpose. I know that I do not want to be someone that has been given everything and gave nothing. In fact, I want to be the most efficient with the things that I have been given so that I can fully utilize them to share the "Good News" and give back to this world that so desperately needs it!
“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.”~Albert Einstein
While I was writing this post this morning, my best friend sent me an article about his sister's father-in-law that passed away on Tuesday after a two year battle with cancer. Biff Cook, whom I never met, was a physician. The article spoke about how this man, a true man of God, worked until the last possible day(4 weeks ago) helping his patients. This is an example of a man that is not worried about his own sickness or cancer. He was thankful for his blessings and fully utilized them to give back and help others up until the day he passed. That "giving" actually helped him in his fight and earned him a seat with the Father. I am certain Dr. Cook is singing "Hallelujah" as we speak.
Do you really think it is just a coincidence that I received an article about a man that lived as an example to this verse, while I was writing it?
Here is the article if you care to read.
#PraiseGod
~EC
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