ARE YOU WORTHY OF BLESSINGS?

---

Readings:

1 Corinthians 11:17-26,33

Psalm 40:7-10,17

Luke 7:1-10

---

God is worthy of all praise and worship and we have to admit to ourselves in our situations that we need God. Be like the centurion who, although had built a synagogue for the Jews, did not consider himself worthy of having Jesus under his roof. He recognised that his attempts at doing what is right is because God has strengthened him. His humility and faith made Him worthy of a blessing. Refrain from using your faith as a cover for your selfishness as the Corinthians did. They segregated themselves even in Church. We call ourselves Christians but our divisions, rivalry and arrogance makes us far from godly. The reason we are called “Church” is because we recognise and reverence God’s presence in each of us and our actions reflect Christ who served us and gave Himself up for us.

Here are five things you can do to change your outlook on life:

• Imago Dei — You are created in God’s image (in Latin ‘Imago Dei’). We are His temple and He dwells in us. And although we are unworthy (due to sin), He has made us worthy by His Son's death for us and the Holy Spirit's indwelling.

• Respect Everyone — Status and ethnicities apart, we are all the same before God. We all bear the imprint of God’s image. The congregation of all of us is the Church (“where two or three are gathered, there I am in their midst”, Matthew 18:19-20). We have to look out for one another, because we need each other and should work together.

• Option for the Poor — The care for the poor and marginalised should be our priority. If the least persons in our community are neglected, we are failing in our duties to one another.

• Treat others well —Take care of yourself but not at the expense of others. Your care for the welfare of others reflects your self-esteem and self-image. If you are only looking out for yourself, that is selfishness. But if you genuinely take interest in other people, you have a healthy self-image.

• Make it reflexive — How would you feel if what you are about to do is done to you? Would you want others to talk down on you, insult you, spread lies about you and hurt you? Do unto others what you wish done to you (Matthew 7:12).

The strength to do good comes from Christ Himself. His life and words should inspire you. His Body and Blood should nourish you and without a doubt, you will be worthy to receive His blessings always, everywhere and in every situation.

                                                                                    JUDE-MARY OWOH

---

To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.

---

Prayer:

1. Lord, let Your presence be seen in me.

2. Lord, help me to treat others with love and respect.

3. Lord, let my decisions be guided by concern for the needs of others.

4. Lord, help me to spend myself for the good of others.

5. Lord, free me from selfishness and grant my heart’s desires.

6. Lord, let Your name be glorified in my life. Amen.

7. May God wash away my sins, strengthen me against every weakness, make my actions good and fruitful and make me worthy to receive the blessings and promises of Christ. Amen.

8. May God, make me worthy of all the blessings He sends my way, in Jesus' name.