What is a blessing, and how is it really measured?

We hear testimonies and see people’s lifestyles and how they were before. It often starts like this:

I come from a humble background. We didn’t have enough food to eat three meals a day. We didn’t have good clothes to wear; some clothes were borrowed, and some were torn. We were unable to pay our children’s school fees. We didn’t have a house of our own and were renting houses, moving from one place to another. We were frustrated during those times. We didn’t even have a bicycle to ride and had to walk everywhere. Some had only a bike, and some had an old model car. We also had debts amounting to lakhs and crores.

But now, graciously, God has blessed us with three meals a day, and we are able to give to the poor. We have good clothes—fresh, new, and from brands we never imagined we could afford. We are able to pay school fees regularly and even before the due date. Our children are studying in some of the top schools and universities. By the grace of the Lord, we have our own house and a permanent place to live.

We no longer have to move from place to place, and God has wiped away our tears. Now we have a brand-new bike and a brand-new car. I was blessed only after choosing Jesus as my Savior. Oh, what a wonderful God! We were able to pay off all our debts. Glory to God! Glory to God!”

“From a humble background to becoming a millionaire—I praise God for it.”

I often hear people say:

I did this, I had faith in God, I worked hard, I leaned on Christ, and now I have my own bike, car, gadgets, watch, house, and many other things. Brother, why can’t you do the same and be blessed like us?

Wow! Isn’t it?

But is this the real blessing? Even the Gentiles are blessed.

Obviously, God provides for our earthly needs according to His will. But do you think that is the reason Jesus died on the cross for us—to make us millionaires instead of poor people?

No, my friend. That is not the primary purpose.

First of all, the blessings you receive are not because you chose Jesus. It is Jesus who chose you. Who are we to choose Him? The Scripture clearly says in John 15:16:

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.”

Furthermore, God did not choose us merely to make us materially prosperous or simply to deliver us from a sinful life. The primary purpose for which God chose us is that we might have fellowship with Him, worship Him, know Him more deeply, understand His will, and fulfil His purposes.

The Real Blessing

1. The Fellowship You Have with God

John 15:4–5 (NKJV)

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

1 John 1:3 (NKJV)

“Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 3:8–10 (NKJV)

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings…”

2.   How Much You Have Grown in Him

2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Colossians 2:6–7 (NIV)

“Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him…”

3.   How Much You Have Allowed the Holy Spirit to Correct You

John 16:13 (NKJV)

“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”

Hebrews 12:6 (NKJV)

“For whom the Lord loves He chastens…”

4.   Whether You Are Able to Forgive Others as Christ Forgave You

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

“Forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

5.   Showing Love to Others as Christ Loves Us

John 13:34–35 (NKJV)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you…”

Ephesians 5:2 (NKJV)

“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us…”

6.   Does Your Character Reveal Jesus at All Times?

Galatians 5:22–23 (NKJV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)

“We all… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.”

7.   When You Face Trials, Do You Lean on Him or on Your Own Strength?

Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

“Fear not, for I am with you… I will strengthen you.”

8.   Are You Able to Have Communion with the Spirit of the Lord While Traveling, Working, Walking Alone, or in Your Private Moments When No One Sees?

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) “Pray without ceasing.” Galatians 5:25 (NKJV)

“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

9.   Are You Conscious That Your Husband, Jesus Christ, Is Looking at You at All Times?

Revelation 19:7 (NKJV)

“For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

Song of Solomon 2:16 (NKJV) “My beloved is mine, and I am his.” Hebrews 4:13 (NKJV)

“All things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

10.   How Much Does Your Heart Thirst for Him?

Psalm 42:1–2 (NKJV)

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.”

Psalm 63:1 (NKJV)

“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You…”

There are many more examples. But we are often focused only on earthly blessings.

My friend, ask the Lord for His grace so that you may repent of your ways and focus on the real blessings, not merely the worldly ones. May God help us all to focus on the blessings that truly matter.

God bless you all!