It all started with Abraham.
Actually, it all started with the Ancient of Days, but God used Father Abraham–before he was either a father or Abraham–to save the world.
The Lord had said to Abram,
“Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;
I will make your name great and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
(Genesis 12:1-3)
“Abram, I’ve blessed you,” the Lord was saying, “but those blessings aren’t just for your benefit, to make you and your family happy and comfortable. I’m giving so much to you so that you can give to others. I’m giving you a family so that one day, all of mankind can be restored to My family. Abram, you’re blessed, but not just for you. You’re blessed to be a blessing.”
A defining moment in history, as God laid out the beginning of His plan of salvation. And the next verse is just as important: “So Abram went.”
The Lord said go…so Abram went.
Obedience is that simple. God grants us blessings–talents and passions and resources–with the admonition to bless other people. “I’ve given you abilities…so help those in need. I’ve blessed you financially…so use it to fund homes and save children.”
God says go, so we go. He says give, so we give. The Lord blesses us, so we bless others.
We’re blessed to be a blessing.
Obedience is that simple.