One of the ways I know I’m growing in Christ is by having my perspective change on what is being blessed.

As most Americans, I used to think that being blessed means to have enough wealth (not exceeding wealth, for that will lead us to greed), a college education in the top 20 university, live in a almost-new house with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms, drive a Japanese sedan, be married to a prized wife, and have beautiful and bright kids.

But more and more, as I’m learning to look at life through the eyes of Christ, I am becoming sure that that’s NOT what the Bible calls a blessed life.

To the Church in Laodicea: Rev. 3:17-18
“Rev 3:17-18
7 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”

I believe this befits the mentality of most Americans. Yeah, sure, we are at a difficult time as the economic downturn has affected us all, but the very fact that we are so concerned about it shows how dependent upon wealth and material we have become.

Although compared to the rest of the world, we may seem blessed, rich, wise, and clothed; to Christ, we may be wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

When you see megastars on TV, such as Entertainment Tonight or such, what comes to your mind? There was a time I used to envy them. But now, I can say sincerely that I feel sorry and sad for them. They are living the fast-track life where it will be almost impossible to know joy and security apart from fame, wealth, recognition, etc.

At the same time, this perspective helps me be content at the situation that I am in. I’m becoming more thankful and content even though my circumstances are not really changing…

Praise the Lord, O my soul!

PH