Did you ever read Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island? A boy named Jim discovers a map in an old pirate's chest after the man dies. He and two friends set sail on a ship for an island where a treasure chest had been buried by pirates. Jim discovers that the one-legged cook named Long John Silver and other crew members want the treasure for themselves. Eventually Jim outfoxes them and sails home with the treasure.
Have you ever imagined becoming suddenly rich beyond your wildest dreams? Well, if you have been born again through trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior, you are rich! For God's spiritual blessings for His children are more precious and lasting than any earthly treasures. Have you been enjoying them? Well, let's open His treasure chest—the Word of God—and see what great things are ours in Christ.
Our Lord Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ redeemed us by His blood, far more precious than corruptible things like silver and gold ( 1 Peter 1:18-19). When we truly come to know Him, everything else in the world seems valueless!
If you're a Christian, can you remember the day you repented of your sins and gave your heart to Christ? Peter describes how we feel when we find Him: "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy" ( 1 Peter 1:8). If Christ is first in our lives, we keep feeling that way about Him. If you've never felt that way, check out < http://www.journeyofjoy.com>.
Christ's Indwelling Presence
Once we have come to know the Lord Jesus, His indwelling presence is a spiritual blessing that truly makes life worth living! Jesus said, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (John 14:23). Are you aware of Christ's presence in your life? Do you look on Him as your best Friend? Do you talk to Him, discuss your problems with Him, ask for His help? A Christian need never be lonely. Jesus is the best Friend, Companion, and Helper that anyone could ever have!
Christ's Intercession and His Righteousness
Jesus also intercedes for us with God the Father. His righteousness is credited to us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Thus our sins can be forgiven and cast into the deepest sea. We can't see this, but when we repent of our sins, we can feel that a great burden is lifted.
Forgiveness of Sin
Isn't forgiveness of sin a wonderful spiritual blessing? First John 1:9 says to Christians, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Reconciliation with God
When your sins are forgiven, you enjoy reconciliation with God. Isn't it great not to have anything standing between you and God? You don't need to feel guilty or lack peace or have the impression that when you pray, your prayers don't go any farther than the ceiling!
The Peace of Christ
Peace is another treasure Jesus gives us. He said to His followers, "Peace I leave with you; my peace ! give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). If we walk with the Lord and trust everything to Him, He gives us incredible peace (Philippians 4:6-7). That's a terrific blessing in this troubled world today! Sometimes it seems as if everything is going haywire, doesn't it? But that supernatural peace can lift us Christians above any trouble we may encounter.
The Joy of the Lord
Christ also promised His followers joy. "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete:' Read what He said in John 15:9- 14. Having Christ's joy is more wonderful than finding the largest sparkling diamond in the world! If we have His joy, it will radiate from our faces, making us beautiful. It will flow out from us like a river of living water to enrich others (John 7:38). So the Bible tells us, "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil. 4:4).
The Love of Christ
Love is another great spiritual blessing for Christ's followers. As long as we know the Lord loves and values us, how can we ever feel completely desolate in this life? Though at times we may feel unloved in this world, the Lord always cares for us if we belong to Him. After all, He died for us! When we know we are loved, we find it easier to love others. Love overlooks slights; it is kind and considerate. So in the long run, the person who loves other people has a much happier life, not beset by the quarrels, hurt feelings, and broken friendships others may have.
Deliverance From Old Things
Deliverance is another spiritual blessing. The Bible says that if we are in Christ, we become new persons (2 Corinthians 5:17). When we become Christians, our desires and interests are changed. This makes it possible for us to overcome things that enslave or hurt us. As Paul said, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Developing Faith
Faith is another spiritual treasure. God's Word says that a Christian's faith is much more precious than gold (1 Peter 1:7). Faith protects us from the fiery darts of Satan, man's enemy. Since faith is the opposite of fear, it delivers us from fears of all kinds as we trust in the Lord (Psalm 34:4; Philippians 4:6-7; 2 Timothy 1:7).
God's Word
God's Word is the spiritual blessing that shows us how to appropriate all the others and can lift us up daily. When we receive Christ, the Holy Spirit helps us understand His Word.
God's Promises
The promises of God are treasures only available to Christians. God promises that all our needs will be supplied (Philippians 4:19); wisdom for the asking (James 1:5); mercy, grace, help, and understanding (Hebrews 4:15-16); comfort and guidance from the Holy Spirit (John 14: 16; 16:13); strength (Philippians 4:13); and answers to prayer (John 16:24).
God's Protection
Just as Jim in Treasure Island had an enemy who sought to rob him of his treasure, so we have an enemy—Satanwho would rob us of the spiritual blessings God has for us. Our protection is God's spiritual armor (See Ephesians 6:10-18).
Seek all the spiritual treasures that are rightfully yours as a child of God. Then you will enjoy one of the ultimate blessings: the abundant life Christ promised (John 10:10b).
