The Blessings We Often Overlook

Have you ever found yourself sifting through what appears to be junk, only to discover unexpected treasures? This experience isn't limited to thrift stores or flea markets - it's a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives as well.

Imagine a vast warehouse filled with rows upon rows of bins, overflowing with discarded items. At first glance, it might seem like a wasteland of unwanted goods. But for those willing to look closer, hidden gems await discovery. A vintage Jurassic Park sleeping bag worth far more than its $2 price tag. A quirky duck teapot that could fetch $75 online. Brand name clothing at a fraction of its original cost.

This scene serves as a poignant reminder: value isn't always obvious at first glance. What appears ordinary or overlooked might actually be incredibly precious. And isn't this true in our walk with God as well?

Too often, we as Christians live unaware of the spiritual riches we possess. We may feel spiritually bankrupt, constantly asking God for things He's already provided. We beg for scraps when a feast has been laid out before us. But the truth is, if we've accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we have access to blessings beyond measure.

The book of Ephesians opens with a powerful declaration that sets the tone for the entire letter: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3).

This single verse unlocks a profound truth about the Christian life. Before any instructions on how to live, we're reminded of how incredibly blessed we already are. It's not about future rewards, but a present reality for every believer in Jesus Christ.

Let's unpack this verse to discover three essential truths that reveal just how spiritually rich we truly are:

Where do our blessings come from? The answer is clear: God the Father. He is not a distant deity, uninvolved in human affairs. Unlike the gods of ancient Greek mythology, our God draws near. He doesn't simply rule from a throne; He blesses from the heart.

This is because He's not just God - He's our Father. For those who have accepted Christ, we have the astounding privilege of being called children of God. This relationship changes everything. Just as a father delights in providing for his children, our Heavenly Father freely and fully blesses us.

James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” Everything good in our lives flows from this relationship with our Heavenly Father.

How many blessings have we been given? The Bible doesn't leave room for doubt: we've been blessed with "all spiritual blessings." That word "all" is doing a lot of work. It truly means all, everything, without exception.

God isn't rationing out blessings like limited supplies during a crisis. He has poured them out fully, freely, and generously. If you are in Christ, you already possess everything you need to live the Christian life.

Yet how often do we act spiritually destitute? We beg God for peace, joy, or strength, not realizing He's already provided these very things. We're like the college student who ate meager meals outside the cafeteria, unaware that full meals were already included in his plan.

Consider:

• When you pray for peace, remember Jesus' words: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you" (John 14:27).

• When you long for joy, recall His promise: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11).

• When you need strength, cling to the truth that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13).

The fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23) - these aren't distant ideals. They're available to us right now through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Here's the key that unlocks everything: all these blessings are found "in Christ." This small phrase appears over 160 times in Paul's writings because it's absolutely essential to understanding the Christian life.

To be "in Christ" means we are surrounded by His righteousness, wrapped in His grace, and secured in His love. It's not about who we are or what we've done - it's about where we are positioned spiritually.

Imagine a balloon filled with air. That air is completely enclosed, protected regardless of what's happening outside. That's the picture of being "in Christ." We are safe, secure, and fully supplied.

This truth demolishes spiritual insecurity. We don't have to wonder if we're good enough or doing enough. Our blessings aren't based on our performance, but on our position in Christ.

II Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This isn't just a fresh start; it's an entirely new identity.

So, how do we respond to these incredible truths?

1. Recognize Your True Wealth: Stop living as if you're spiritually bankrupt. You have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ.
2. Access What's Already Yours: Don't beg God for what He's already provided. Learn to appropriate the blessings that are already available to you through your relationship with Christ.
3. Live from a Place of Security: Your standing before God isn't based on your performance, but on your position in Christ. Rest in that security.
4. Express Gratitude: Let thankfulness overflow as you recognize the abundance of blessings God has lavished upon you.
5. Share the Wealth: As you grasp how richly blessed you are, let it overflow into generosity and love toward others.

The next time you feel spiritually lacking, remember the image of those thrift store bins. What looks like junk at first glance often contains hidden treasures. In the same way, your life in Christ is filled with spiritual riches beyond measure. Don't overlook them. Dive in, explore, and live in the fullness of every blessing God has already given you in Christ.