#Blessed is a really popular hashtag, especially at this time of year.

When posting pics many people—including myself—will say we’re somehow #blessed and that God has been good to us.

To be honest, I love seeing it. It’s an awareness of God as a loving provider.

But get this. In Luke 11:27-28 a woman in the crowd that was following and listening to Jesus cried out, “Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you.” That’s a pretty nice thing to say. She’s giving him a compliment and saying how blessed Mary is.

But here’s what Jesus says in response: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

I think this encourages us—quite strongly—to widen our understanding of what it means to be #blessed. Are we blessed with good friends, vacation time, and a nicely set table? Sure. But there’s more.

When we commit to the Bible… #blessed
When we help the poor… #blessed
When we take a risk for Christ… #blessed
When we give sacrificially… #blessed
When we make hard, godly decisions… #blessed
When we are holy… #blessed
When we spend time with the sick… #blessed

We live in a consumer culture. Because of that, it’s easy to think of our blessings just in terms of material blessings. But Jesus has something more to say about it: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

So yes, make sure to count your blessings. But count what truly counts.

As we approach Christmas, may we hear and obey. #Blessed

By Matthew Ruttan

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.