Each year in Australia, people are honored for their public service, for their contribution to society or for their outstanding activities. Similarly, as parents we might buy a special treat for a child whose behavior has been exemplary, or draw attention to their good deeds in front of others. Likewise God sometimes chooses to honor his children. "How great is your goodness which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men" (Psalm 31:19).
However, what is our response when we see God pour out a blessing on a particular person or on a particular church—a blessing perhaps that we would like? Are we angry—like the elder brother who wouldn’t join in the festivities when his younger brother returned because he felt his brother was undeserving? (Luke 15:28)
The reality is, we are all undeserving. Nevertheless, God is God, and He can bless whoever he chooses. Still, we can become better candidates for God’s blessings.
In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5), Jesus teaches us that there are eight attitudes we can develop to be "blessed." But sometimes it is even simpler. We can become like little children who accept gifts without reservation, without thought of reciprocating and with eager anticipation. It has been said that God wants to bless us more than we want to be blessed. Receiving from God makes us feel vulnerable. We are not always good candidates for God’s blessings, and sometimes we even resented it when we've seen others receiving.
We are told to, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15). Surprisingly, it is easier to mourn with those who mourn than to rejoice with those God has chosen to honor.
