As a Christian and pastor, I have realized that most of the things that bless the world for Jesus are simple and easy to do.

Jesus, in Matthew chapter 25, speaks of the separation of the sheep and the goats. It is a parable about the judgment of humanity by God as king. The sheep represent those who have done as God desires, and the goats are those who did not. Both groups are surprised at the decisions that were made and question the king as to what allowed them to be labeled this way. The king responds, “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, (36) I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36 – NIV 2011)

The difference between those people who are pleasing to God and those who were not was serving food, providing water, welcoming someone, giving clothes, helping the sick and prison visitation.

I have looked over that list so many times in my life that I can repeat it in my sleep, but one day I noticed something new to me. Each one of the items listed requires no skill. The only exception might be cooking, but it does not mean we have to provide a gourmet dinner. Instead, each one is so basic in nature. They require little talent and very little money. They do all demand that we give up our time.

Being a blessing to the world does not mean I need to have millions of dollars to give away or some unique skill set. Being a blessing simply means that I am willing to give up my time for the benefit of others in the name of Jesus.

Every Monday, I think about how God has given me another week to live. I can use this week to further my own kingdom or to be a blessing for the kingdom of God. The choice is up to me … and you.