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As our relationship with Jesus Christ develops we are shaped by being humbly submitted to Him and allowing the Bible to form our lives. Looking at the Anatomy of a Disciple we find the core, Humbly Submitted and Biblically Formed, shaping the areas of our will and compassions, which are the outer rings. The result is that we become Sacrificially Generous and are provided with opportunities to be an Intentional Blessing to those around us. This becomes a tangible expression of how Jesus is shaping us within.
What does it look like to be an Intentional Blessing? It is any time we take the initiative to bless others in the world around us with our time, talent and treasure with no strings attached. Being an Intentional Blessing comes in all shapes and sizes. The heart behind our words and actions is what really matters.
The Bible distinctly shows Jesus being an Intentional Blessing. It also calls us to follow Jesus’ example. In Mark 6:33-44, Jesus feeds 5000+ people and displays this beautifully. At a time when Jesus and the disciples were completely exhausted and needed rest, Jesus, filled with compassion, performs an astonishing miracle by feeding thousands of people from five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus was the ultimate expression of being an Intentional Blessing.
Many times we find ourselves on the sidelines cheering on those who are living a life that reflects Jesus. We either haven’t reached a point of spiritual maturity that has turned our focus away from our own needs or we are paralyzed not knowing where to start. Jesus clearly presents what our top priority should be:
Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31 (ESV)
Your neighbor is anyone around you where you live, work and play. How are you going to respond to Jesus’ admonition to love your neighbor? Think about what you can do today to be an Intentional Blessing to your ‘neighbor.’ Jesus didn’t wait until it was convenient and neither should you.
For ideas go to http://servedei.com