I recently heard an interview with a famous Hollywood actress who smugly recited the mah-va-lous perks she enjoys because of her massive success. Here are some of the celebrity benefits she touted:
- You don’t have to wait to be seated at restaurants.
- No more sweating or heart palpitations when the bills come in.
- If you’re undecided between the ruby necklace and designer gown, just buy both.
- You never have to introduce yourself because everybody already knows your name.
- The hardest part is keeping up your image, but you can hire somebody to do that.
I don’t think she meant to be funny, but I can’t help LOL’ing (with a little eye-rolling). I cannot imagine a lifestyle like that, can you?
Now contrast her list with the benefits of being a Christian that I found in Psalm 103 this week. I’m studying every passage I can find about how to “bless the Lord” for a speaking event in conjunction with my new devo, Bless Your Heart. What an eye-opener! Give a fresh look to a beloved Psalm you’ve probably read/heard/sung a thousand times before:
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits” (Psalm 103: 1-2).
So here are some of the benefits of being a believer from verses 1-5 (even more included in the rest of the chapter; grab your Bible and see for yourself):
- Pardon
- Healing
- Redemption
- Kindness
- Compassion
- Satisfaction
- Energy Renewal
Now go back and read that list once again, slowly, and with consideration of what each of these incredible perks from Papa God means to YOU personally.
In other words, spend a few minutes thinking about …
- WHAT you need to be pardoned from,
- ALL the wounds deep inside you that need healing,
- HOW His love redeems the messes you’ve made,
- WHICH perspectives the kindness and compassion offered to you by an unconditionally loving Father changes in you,
- WHO is the only one who can satisfy your years with His good things, and
- WHEN your sagging energy has been renewed by His supernatural power.
Hey, who doesn’t love a great perk, right? Now that’s a Benefits Package that can’t be beat!
Tell me, dearest BFF (Blessed Friend Forever), which of these believer benefits are the most meaningful to you, and why?
Ah, go ahead and add in the comments below which of the celebrity perks you wouldn’t mind having as well.
P.S. I’m currently booking special events for the 2026 summer and fall (one opening is still left near Mother’s Day) so if your church or civic group is looking for a LOL inspirational speaker, please mention my name to the leaders and point them to my website speaking pages at DeboraCoty.com. Many thanks!
P.S.S. Don’t forget to order a copy of Bless Your Heart: Daily Devotions to Warm Your Heart & Feed Your Soul and a Box of Blessings: 52 Ways to Bless My BFFS for the special women in your life for Mother’s Day!