Benefit

<<advantage, gain, profit>>

If we want the benefits that Christ offers we must fulfill the conditions – repent of sin and turn to Him (Act 3:19). If we sacrifice for His Kingdom we will be repaid many times over in this life (although not necessary in the same form) as well as receiving eternal life (Mk 10:29,30). God is debtor to no one (1 Sam 2:30).

To receive the full benefit and blessing of God’s plan for our lives requires us to be fully committed and obedient to Him. Jesus asked the question, “What is the advantage or benefit if a man gains the whole world but loses his own soul?” (Mk 8:36). Eternal rewards are forfeited by choosing wrong short-term benefits. What we do should be

When faced with a choice consider the long-term implications

weighed on the scales of eternity! Consider what will I gain for eternity or how will it assist the Kingdom of God?

As we comprehend the blessings of the safety and security of being in Christ we can increasingly reach out to others effectively fulfilling our responsibilities to our fellow humans, saved and unsaved alike. Scripture tells us that generously investing in the good of others determines the return we receive for “As you sow, you’ll reap” (Mt 10:8; Lk 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6; Gal 6:7). Although our salvation is a personal reality it is to be fruitfully outworked as we focus on others.

There is a price to pay in following Christ, however don’t dwell on what you have to give up or the trials of your faith but rather consider the blessings and praise God for these riches that far outweigh any sacrifice you will ever make (Rom 8:18; 1 Pet 1:3-7). These benefits include peace with God through our sins being forgiven and so freeing us from eternal judgment, a friend who is with us all the time, being part of the family of God worldwide, having the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us, being rescued from Satan’s snare.

The Bible says, "The advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of those who have it" (Eccl 7:12). However, to be of benefit the wisdom must be acted on. Medicine that remains untouched in the bottle does not bring about the desired cure.

David said, "Bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits" (Ps 103:2). Do we intentionally bring to mind the good things the Lord has done, is doing and is yet to do as we reflect on our past and present situation besides gaining comfort from His promises for our future in heaven? This particular Psalm mentions numerous benefits starting with "He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases..." Why

Consider the blessings you have in Christ

not take time now to find the various beneficial things that are recorded and even add to the list, then worship God from whom all these blessings come (Ps 103:1-22).