Dec 09

Less of Self, More of Others

Let’s be totally honest for a moment. Our world, as a whole, is very selfish. You may be saying, “That’s not a nice thing to say, Justin!” But let’s face it, it’s true. We think and care more for ourselves than we do for others. We are all humans, and human nature says one should take care of self above all else. While this is how most of our world behaves, is this really what our heavenly Father expects of His people?

In the letter to the Christians in Philippi, Paul wrote, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). Did you catch the inspired words of Paul there? He said that Christians ought to look out not only for their own interests but also for the interests of others, even considering others more significant than themselves.

While the world may teach people to look out for themselves above all else, that is the exact opposite of what the great Apostle Paul taught. Paul’s remark is contrary to human nature, so why would he make such a statement? If we continue reading in Philippians we find the answer: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

Paul was encouraging Christian to do what Jesus did. Jesus wasn’t thinking about Himself when He left the glory of heaven and came to earth to eventually die on a cross. When He came to earth to fulfill the plan of God through the giving of His life, Jesus was thinking about others more than himself. Jesus came and died because He was focused on you and me.

Right now we are living in one of the most difficult and stressful times in our nation’s history. Some people are scared, some have lost loved ones, others have lost their jobs and are living off their savings. We’ve lived like this for 8 months, and the end still doesn’t seem to be in sight. Right now is the perfect time for us as Christians to stop thinking so much about ourselves and to start thinking more about the people around us. I get it, I really do. We have rights and needs and opinions; we all do. But let’s never forget what we are called to do. God has called His people to think less of ourselves and more of others.

Jesus is the great example Christians are called to follow (I Peter 2:21). We must live and act as Jesus did if we are to be followers of Christ. We must do our best to follow in His footsteps and look for ways to meet the needs of others. Jesus was dedicated to placing the needs of others above His own. Are we as His people willing to do the same?

Jul 16

The Greatest Rescue Story Ever Known

Perhaps like many of you, I recently was drawn in to the captivating story of the 12 young boys and their soccer coach who were trapped inside the cave in Thailand. For nine days the boys sat in the dark probably wondering if they were ever going to make it out to see the light of day again. After what we can only imagine was nine of the longest days of their lives, the boys and their coach were discovered by rescuers. The last of the boys and their coach emerged from the mouth of the cave nearly three weeks after first becoming trapped. What started as a nightmare ended up being a “feel good” story we won’t soon forget.

 

However, as great as this rescue story was, another rescue story trumps them all and that is the rescue story each one of us is involved in. Friends, the Son of Man came from heaven to earth so He could rescue us (Jn. 1:14; I Cor. 15:3). We learn from Hebrews that it was impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away our sins (Heb. 10:4). Therefore, Jesus came to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, rescuing us from the dark pit of hell. Had Jesus not come, you and I would be without hope.

 

This is the greatest rescue story of all time, but sadly it is one that is too often forgotten. Jesus, who was in the form of God (Phil. 2:6; Jn. 1:1-4), left the glory of heaven to come to earth and be treated as anything but God. He was born in a manger (Lk. 2:1-7), despised and rejected by men (Isa. 53:3; Jn. 1:10-11) and sentenced to death in the most inhumane way possible in that time (Matt. 27:24-54). He endured all this just to rescue us.

 

Watching the young boys and their coach being rescued was heartwarming, something I will never forget. However, some 2,000 years ago, Jesus left the wonders of heaven and traveled down to earth to rescue and save us from being eternally lost. His great love for us (Gal. 2:20) is and always will be the greatest rescue story the world will ever know.

 

Now that’s Something to Think About!

 

Jan 23

Plans Change; the Return of Jesus Doesn’t

How many times have you put a lot of time and effort into making plans, only to have those plans change? Perhaps this has happened to you more times than you can count. Just a couple of weekends ago, several teens and I were scheduled to travel to Evangelism University (EU) in Savannah, TN.  However, due to inclement weather, the EU board decided to cancel the event in the interest of everyone’s safety. The teens who were planning to go were extremely disappointed because they enjoy this event so much.

Unfortunately, this experience has proven yet again that sometimes our plans can change. Even though we may be set on going somewhere or doing something, sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, our plans just don’t work out as we had anticipated.

Our earthly plans do change from time to time, but there is one thing we can count on that will never change: Jesus will return someday. Paul wrote, “And to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thess. 1:7-8).

Despite what people may think or even want, God has appointed a day in which the Lord Jesus will return to judge all the people of the world (Acts 17:30-31). And when this happens, each one of us will give an account of our lives (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:12). We may not know the day or time (Matt. 24:36), but the return of our Lord is one plan we know will happen.  Will we be ready to meet Him when He comes?

Now that’s Something to Think About!

 

Mar 11

Life Will Never Be the Same

 Photo Credit: Jacob & Kiki Hantla via Compfight cc

Most people can recall the best moments of their lives. We remember these moments because they are life changing. If I were to ask you your wedding anniversary, you could probably tell me (at least for your sake I hope you could!). You probably know the birthday of your spouse and children. You might remember the date you graduated after all your years of hard work. You may even remember the day you got your job or the big promotion you spent so much time working toward. Whatever the event, if it was important and life changing, you probably remember when it took place.

Like most of you, I have experienced my fair share of life changing moments. I have graduated, started my career, married a beautiful woman of God and been blessed with a wonderful son who brings great joy to our lives. However, there is one important date I will never forget. This date sticks out because it was one of the first life changing moments I ever experienced. On January 12, 1994, late in the evening, I came to realize I was a struggling sinner who stood in need of the grace, mercy and love of God. Bible verses like, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) became real to me. I began to understand that I needed the free gift of salvation that God offers to all people.

Around 11:30 p.m. on January 12, 1994, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ and obeyed His command to be buried in the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of my sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16). It was a life changing night on so many levels.

Since that night 21 years ago, my life has never been the same. When I experience difficult times, I am reminded of God’s love. When I feel hopeless, I remember I now have hope because of what Jesus has done. When I get too caught up in this present life, I recall my life is now about Jesus and not about me. When I’m struggling to forgive, I recount the forgiveness the Lord has granted me from my past sins. Surrendering to Jesus has truly changed my life.

You probably have a lot of events that have significant meaning in your life. What about the time you surrendered your life to Jesus and were baptized into His death? Do you remember the moment? If you haven’t surrendered your life to Him, what’s stopping you? There’s no greater decision a person can make than to obey the will of God and give their life and heart to Jesus Christ and be buried in the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:38). Why not submit to the Lord through baptism today? I promise your life will never be the same.

Now that’s Something to Think About!