Growing in Christ – Benefits Accrued
Psalms 103:1-5 – (NKJV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits…
Psalms 103:1-5 – (NKJV)
Beloved, it is easy to make decisions on the basis of the benefits that can be accrued from the choices we make. People make choices every day and we discriminate according to our preferences. On the basis of our preferences we choose what type of stock we want to invest in, the career we want to pursue, our course of study, our spouse, the purchase of any product and insurance among other things.
While acquisition of wealth is good for self – sustenance and the furtherance of the Kingdom of God, the same should not be vigorously pursued at the expense of our relationship with God and spiritual growth in Christ. Simply put, do not make the material possessions, academic and career attainment idols of worship.
Our life is the total sum of our choices, and depending on whatever choices we make the consequences may either be good or bad. So, let the benefits accrued with our relationship with Christ, outstrip anything the world has to offer.
First and foremost, remember that God gave us the power to get all the earthly possessions and position that we have acquired (Deuteronomy 8:18), so we must not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (Romans 12:3).
In addition to the benefits mentioned in Psalms 103:1-5, believers have attained the highest position of Kingdom citizens (Philippians 3:20), who are entitled to experience eternal life (John 3:16), and miracles, signs and wonders (Acts 2:22). We are also more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), who are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13). We are a chosen generation, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, a people for God’s own passion (1 Peter 2:9), designated to live a blessed life (Galatians 3:9). Let’s ensure we stay in these benefits by our continued growth.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we repent for allowing things (list them) to take priority over our relationship with You. We have allowed our love and zeal for Christ and His Commission to wax cold. Lord, we pray and humbly wait in Your presence for a fresh anointing from Your hands which would enable us to fan into flames the gift of God – the Holy Spirit – which is inside of us.
We need Your Holy Spirit so that we may be in right standing before You. Let Your refiner’s fire burn away the accumulated dross that we have within us (Malachi 3:3). Set us on fire for You God, for it is more beneficial to serve You rather than serve mammon (Matthew 6:24), in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!
Read: Psalm 103:1-5; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:3; 1 Peter 2:9
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 67; John 15; John 16:1-4; 1 Samuel 16; 1 Samuel 17:1-37
