Material Blessings

3 John 1:2
Blessing doesn't simply mean material blessing but in all areas.  

In the previous episodes we saw the three basic blessings a person needs from John the Apostle. John travelled many places to preach the Gospel and during one of his journey’s he writes a letter to Gaius about the blessings that he wishes Gaius to obtain. 
The three blessings are:

1. Spiritual blessings
2. Health
3. Prosperity in all areas

God wishes and gifts prosperity to his children.

Take a look at the people in this world who served and continue to serve our Lord. Each one of them has prospered in different areas of their life.
Many people have this concept that blessings mean a lot of money.No, blessings include everything. 
A person who serves the Lord because of his overwhelming love for Him, will be blessed. The beginnings might be a little tough but when you persist through it you will see the abundance in your life.

There are certain teachings which tell you that once you are saved, you have to leave all the pleasures of life and live a poor life. Earn what you need for that day. But the Bible doesn’t mention such a life for God’s children. The Bible does not ask you to sell everything you have and have nothing. 

When God made this planet, he made it for us! He wanted us to live here till he comes and takes us back home. This is our temporary home. That is why when he created the fish and animals for us, he made plenty so that even the last person on this plant will be able to eat. When God gave us oxygen to breathe, he did it so that there would be abundance of oxygen and the earth would never be depleted of it.

While on this planet, there is a supply of resources enough for everyone. 

But there is a danger here in material blessings. You need to have a balance.

Matthew 6:24 ‘“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.’
Who are the two masters mentioned here? God and money. Who will you serve?

Many people say that their immediate requirement is money, so they will choose money now and serve God later.
No, this should not be so. Do not let anyone or anything come before God. Do not compromise God. 

God should come first everytime. You, his child should stand for him at all times.
 
There are many who sit at His feet day and night to change their situation. And once they receive their blessings, they fail to go back to Christ. They claim that they don’t need to anymore. This is another way that can make their blessing greater than God. 

Remember this, God blesses those he sees who can balance their blessings. Always remember that God is above all.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 ‘6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Timothy 6:17 ‘Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.’


Summary
God desires all his children to be blessed. There is no wrong in praying for material blessings but the important thing is to make sure your master is Christ. As the Bible says, you cannot serve two masters. What will you do when such a situation occurs?

Watch the full video here: