How would you define “blessing”? Would you think in material or financial terms? Would you say that quality relationships or fulfilling life experiences constitute blessing? I doubt there’s a right answer here. It’s a matter of personal perspective. My definition of blessing has changed dramatically over the years.

We live in a prosperous nation. Most of us have never known true hunger. We do not have to worry about where we will lay our heads to sleep, and we possibly have a week’s worth of clothing in our closets. We buy what we need. Access to technology simplifies our lives. We accomplish complex and demanding tasks in much less time than our forefathers, without breaking a sweat.

Is this blessing? An honest assessment might be that we have grown lazy and are overindulged. Most of us suffer from a skewed sense of entitlement, demanding our share of the blessing pie. This, in reality, is not blessing at all because it breeds slothfulness, envy, greed, and discontentment. Americans tend to see the annual vacation, the late-model car, the suburban home, and the latest in electronic gadgetry or fashion as guaranteed rights, the absence of which leaves us feeling slighted and robs us of joy. Sometimes I feel compelled to whisper God forgive us for chasing those things which have no eternal value.

The American view of blessing does not apply in Third World countries. When it comes to achieving eternal perspective, the believers in those nations have the advantage. Nothing is hindering their view.

How we view blessing is likely relative to what we see as truly important. Are we bent on the American dream, on getting our share of the pie? If so, then we will tend to see as blessing only those circumstances that lead to the fulfillment of that dream.

If, however, our desire is to grow in the knowledge and image of Christ, to be transformed by the renewing of the Holy Spirit, and to be usable in God’s redemptive plan, then whatever circumstances lead to the fulfillment of that desire must be seen as blessing. Sometimes that fulfillment requires trial and denial.  (James 1:2-4)  Being used for His glory is the fulfillment of our created purpose.

It just doesn’t get any better than that, blessing at its best.

Joy in Jesus,

Jacquee