A life God can bless

August 24, 2007

By Gary Rogers

Some people live the life God can bless; others expect God to bless the life they are living.

Most people will profess a belief in God as proof He should bless them. The Bible reveals belief has little to do with relationship. “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble!” (James 2:19, NKJV).

The demons believe in God. The demons remember seeing God in His glory, worshipping Him around His throne, and then experiencing His judgment when they were cast out of heaven with Lucifer. The demons have no love for God but stand in opposition to God. Yet, demons are full of belief in God.

Obedience reveals relationship with God. Jesus said, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:10). We make Jesus Lord of our lives when we bring our lives into obedience to Him. Through our obedience we show God our commitment is more than just belief, but also a relationship we have with Him.

Those who have a belief in God but refuse to live according to His principles might pray when there is a problem and perhaps over their meals. They will be devoted to God if it doesn’t get in the way of other priorities. They will attend worship services on holidays or if something “special” is happening at church. But when life’s challenges and pain arise they are quick to blame God rather than trust Him.

The better approach to life is to live the life God can bless. When we live according to His principles His blessings are abundant. God has “exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4, KJV) for those living in obedience to His will.

Gary Rogers is senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Coweta, Okla.