Ephesians 1:1-14
There were many benefits I had as a child, being in and out of my mother’s womb. In- side, I was kept warm, feed, and protected from the world I had not yet entered into. Outside the womb, Momma provided (Daddy’s too), loving care, warmth, food, clothing, shelter, security, medical attention and even laundry services, which a lot of college students are finding out was a benefit they wish they still had. Being in the home surely produced major benefits, but they were just temporal. At some point the gravy train ran out. I grew up, just like you will, and you will have to learn how to do for yourself.
As we mature, we find ourselves looking for employment that has certain kinds of benefits. Since we are all saints, I know the first thing we do is look for a job that gives us Sunday’s off, so that we may come to worship service. Next, they have to allow us Wednesday’s off, to attend Bible study and prayer meeting. Thirdly, we need Monday off for men’s and women’s ministries, Tuesday for missions, Thursday’s for youth fellowship, Friday’s for “feed the homeless day,” Saturday, for choir rehearsal and we expect them to pay us at least $25.00 per hour/ 80 hrs. check_ and we only work 15 hrs. That’s the kind of job we all are looking for. We also need hospitalization, vacation, retirement, a prescription plan, day care and anything else that would make our lifestyles more convenient. We want a full benefit package.
The reality is we will not find all this in many jobs. You won’t find any of these benefits in the fantasy world of your mind. There is no benefit in a drink, or in a drug. Not in Denzel Washington or Jamie Foxx. No not in Beyoncé, Tara Banks, or Toni Braxton. While they may excite one part of you the benefit of knowing about them can’t produce anything in you but a counterfeit experience. So what hope do we have? Where should we turn? In what or in whom can we trust?
All the benefits that you will ever need will be found in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the text at the beginning of this blog the term “in Him, in Whom, and in Christ” is repeated twelve times. This should alert us, stimulate us, cause us to become excited as to what is it that Christ does, has done, and is doing for us, in us, to us, and through us. This Word changed my perspective, Changed my view point and Changed my outlook on life. I no longer look to the things of the world to provide what only God could, should and is willing to do, if We only believe and trust in HIM.