Have You Been Blessed? How to Find Out

When we are children, we are taught to obey-or else! Our mothers say it. Our fathers say it, and our teachers pound the words into our heads . . . until we obey. We are told that the consequence of disobedience is punishment. But does that motivate us to obey?

As a young child, we are told, "Pick up your toys! Be quiet. Stop pestering your sister. Do your homework. Sit still. Stop shouting. Do as you are told!" Even as we are told-countless times-the same words year after year, do we really suffer any consequences?

Everyone has met the child in school-the bully-who never seems to get caught in mischievous activity. The moment the parent, the teacher or the authority figure has turned his head, the bully acts out. He is sneaky. In front of authority figures, his behavior is impeccable. Because of this, the bully is seldom caught and punished. Since punishment fails to touch him, his self-confidence grows unchecked, resulting in a prideful countenance. He receives negative reinforcement to continue his bad behavior until the day comes when his attitude betrays him at a time when he is not aware.

What kind of attitude do bullies portray? Think about it. Are they humble, counting themselves as unworthy of honor? Or are they prideful, exhibiting an unreasonable superiority as to their talents? Webster defines pride as an insolent demeanor, haughtiness, self-exultation, and superiority. The one who exhibits a haughty countenance is more likely to blame others for his actions, avoiding acceptance of where he may have gone wrong. In the Bible, the apostle Paul states, "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing he is deceiving his own mind." (Galatians 6:3)

The bully unmasks his own disguise by his actions, betraying his true motives as one attempting to seek his own benefit rather than seeking the welfare of others. He treats others with disrespect and insolence while claiming honor for himself. "By their fruits you will recognize them . . . . every rotten tree produces worthless fruit. A good tree cannot produce worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit." (Matthew 7:16-18) The Bible assures us that bullies will not escape punishment in the next verse when Jesus states, "Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire."

As a child, consequences for disobedience can be unpleasant. Having privileges taken away for a prescribed period may allow the seriousness of the act to be reflected upon, resulting in a changed demeanor. Formally, the term is "repentance," which causes a visible turnaround in attitude which is reflected in one's conduct.

Our endurance in the face of punishment is designed to build self-discipline which in turn builds character. Self-control allows us to endure tribulation to a greater extent by exercising conscious restraint in the choices we make. ". . .tribulation produces endurance, endurance, in turn, an approved condition, the approved condition, in turn, hope, and the hope does not lead to disappointment." (Romans 5:3-5) "It is for discipline you are enduring. God is dealing with you as sons. . . ." (Hebrews 12:7)

Upon reaching an "approved condition," contingent on obedience, we receive the blessing, a bestowal of divine favor that is seen, producing spiritual prosperity and filling material needs. "All these blessings must come upon you and overtake you because you keep listening to the voice of Jehovah your God." (Deut 28:2) However, God is not the only one capable of bestowing blessings. When individuals contribute to the welfare of mankind, others have pronounced blessings on them. They are publicly pronounced to be deserving of special praise and recognition.

For anyone who has suffered illness and recovered understand that those persons who have aided and comforted him in his misery are deserving of praise. It is a fine thing to show appreciation for those who give of themselves without being asked. Individuals with exceptionally fine voices give praise to God with their songs, and many bestow special favors upon them, thus reinforcing the blessing. They prosper. They are protected from harm.

Some suffer for a very long time, enduring many hardships, yet persevering in spite of the indifference of others. Such endurance denotes courage and a steadfastness that others see but may not understand. In the face of obstacles, trials, reproach, and persecution, their attitudes maintain faith that their suffering will end.

Endure to the end, my friends, "Look! We pronounce happy those who have endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave . . . ."
(James 5:11)