BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL!

Most everyone knows what it means to be blessed by someone, or what it takes to be a blessing to another person.  A blessing, whether it is a comment one makes, or an action one takes, meets someone's need at the time of his or her need.  And, although the need may vary widely, to be a blessing, our words or actions must fit the situation.  Jesus gave the examples of feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, visiting the sick or imprisoned, showing hospitality to strangers, and providing clothing to the naked (Mt. 25:34-40).  He said those who have been blessed by His Father, do such things (v. 34).

It seems simple enough; find a need, and do your best to meet it.  And yet, most Christians seem to be oblivious to the needs of those around them.  The Word of God tells us to love our neighbor, as we love ourselves, seven times (Lev. 19:18; Mt. 19:19; 22:39; Mk. 12:31; Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:14; Jam. 2:8), but most of us are so caught up with loving ourselves, meeting our own needs, that we either do not have time for others, or we are unable to recognize their needs.  So what is the solution?

We need to be able to put ourselves in "their shoes."  In other words, we need to empathize with them.  And the only way we will ever get to know their needs, is to get to know them!  Last Sunday, our Pastor taught on the importance of spending time with others.  The writer of Hebrews was quite clear as to his feelings about Church attendance.  He wrote, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10:24-25).  The Apostle Paul wrote that God uses Pastors and Teachers to help believers grow in their relationship with the Lord, and with each other (Eph. 4:11-16). 

Not only is it important that believers attend and get involved with a local church, they need to associate with other Christians in small groups, such as a Sunday school class.  Our church has small groups that meet weekly for Bible study, and a group for seniors which meets once a month for fellowship.  Both the men and the women have a monthly prayer breakfasts, as well.  The best way to get to know the needs of others, is to spend time with them! 

If you want to bless the Lord with all your soul, bless His children!