Look for Ways to Bless Others

Philippians 2:3-5a (NET) - Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.  Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.  You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had..."

There are many examples in the Bible where people were blessed as a direct result of another person.  Here are a few examples found in the book of Genesis:

• Isaac was blessed because of his father, Abraham - Genesis 26:24 states that the Lord appeared to Isaac and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you.  I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham."
• Laban was blessed because of his son-in-law, Jacob - Genesis 30:27 recounts Laban saying the following to Jacob, "If I have found favor in your sight, please stay here, for I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me on account of you."
• Potiphar was blessed because of his employee, Joseph - Genesis 39:3-5 states, "His master observed that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made everything he was doing successful.  So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant.  Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned.  From the time Potiphar appointed him over his household and over all that he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian's household for Joseph's sake."

We need to seek out opportunities where others can be blessed as a result of our impact in their lives.  Our prayer should be that the Lord make us a blessing.  In the 1920s, Ira B Wilson penned these words to the hymn "Make Me a Blessing":

Out in the highways and byways of life, Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, Making the sorrowing glad.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love, Tell of His power to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove True, every moment you live.

Give as 'twas given to you in your need, Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed, Unto your mission be true.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing, Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior I pray, Make me a blessing to someone today.