Why God Blesses Us

Each Thanksgiving, we take time to gather with family, indulge our appetites on turkey, dressing, and pumpkin pie. We entertain ourselves with football and enjoy the great outdoors. But what about the purpose for observing this holiday? Like Christmas and Easter, we have totally commercialized this time, which is to be focused on God. What happened to our gratitude and appreciation for God’s blessings in our lives? The Bible says, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good.”

Materialistic mania has taken over another sacred holiday. It seems now that Thanksgiving has just become the day before Black Friday. It seems that the typical American is more interested in making a list for shopping rather than a list of things for which he is thankful. It seems as though we are never content with what we have, and we endlessly pursue more. But as Jesus taught, possessions is not what life is about. Consider Christ’s words in Luke 12:15, “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” The things for which we should be thankful to God for have instead become idols in our lives. In Ephesians 5, we see that covetousness is idolatry. We have replaced the Creator with the creation.

So why are we blessed? Is there a reason we have been given so much? I personally have had a special Thanksgiving. A dear elderly man who attends a Bible study I teach wanted to do something special for my family. Last Tuesday, we met at a car dealership and he wrote out a check for a 2010 Grand Caravan! This was an answer to prayer as it was an immediate need. To God be the glory for touching this dear man’s heart to bless us. But as I reflect on this gift, I am excited to know I have a God that cares for me this much. The object of my love is God, not the new van. The thanks and honor belongs to God.

Yes, there is a reason for why God blesses us. It is not so we can hoard our possessions and selfishly keep them for ourselves. We are not simply to be the recipients of a gift, but rather a conduit to bless others for God’s glory. Everything God does on our behalf is that He might get the praise and glory. We have been saved by God’s grace that we may tell others here locally as well as others globally. God wants all men to know Him personally.

As Americans, we are blessed materialistically more than any other nation. If you make $10,000 a year, you make more than 85% of the world. If you make $50,000 you have a greater income than 99% of the world’s population. Now what are you doing with what you have? Are you content with what God has given you? Or are you planning and pursuing to heap more lavish luxuries upon yourself? Consider why God has blessed you. Don’t let the blessings end with you but pray and ask God how you may reach out through your church to help a homeless family or a starving community in this world for God’s glory. God has blessed you that you may bless others in Jesus’ name.