Read Genesis 22:15-17 – Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies… ” (NKJV)
What are the terms of God’s blessing? For Abraham, God promises to bless him because he would not withhold even his own son. Abraham was fully submitted to God in every area of his life and God responds with the amazing promise of blessing. Be careful of those who teach that God will bless a self-focused life. God doesn’t honor those who only look out for themselves. Instead, He blesses those who are submitted to Him and give their best to others. God doesn’t honor those who seek honor for themselves. He wants to demonstrate His greatness in the lives of those who seek to honor Him. Many will gain an audience when they preach what people want to hear. Catering to self-centered desires is an easy way to popularity, but it is not the path to truth. Jesus often spoke of self-denial as the path to life. That’s hardly the appealing message many want to hear.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
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