People say, “Bless you!” when you sneeze. This phrase in our culture weakens the word “bless.” The biblical idea of blessing is a strong thread. In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord starts off with a list of virtues for which he wants to bless you—humility, sensitivity to others, gentleness, righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking and standing up for Jesus. These are not the characteristics of the natural man. They require a renewing of your mind. After outlining the design of salvation, Paul writes, “… be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is God’s will for you—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) That is the blessing promise.
The idea that God wants to bless us is a continuation of God’s ancient promise, never withdrawn, “I will surely bless you.” (Genesis 22:17)
Just as a caterpillar is totally changed into a butterfly, being blessed means being totally transformed. God is transforming everything in His broken world, including you. God’s intent is to make you into everything he ever meant for you to be. That includes participating in His final and most urgent assignment to make disciples of the nations. See how you can be used in God’s global cause. Sign up or login to missionnext.org to discover good options to make a difference among the nations with your life.
