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?

Oct 07

Moved to Act

Photo Credit: cristianbernal.com via Compfight cc

 

What would you do if your home was unprotected from outsiders? Would you just leave your home as is, or would you do whatever was necessary to ensure your home was protected even if it was inconvenient for you?

When Nehemiah learned of the situation in Jerusalem and how the city was still in ruins because the walls were broken down and the gates were destroyed by fire (Neh. 1:3), he was heartbroken. Those were his people and Judah was where his ancestors were buried (Neh. 2:3). He couldn’t just sit back, pretend he didn’t know what was happening and do nothing.

After months of prayer and fasting, Nehemiah went before the king and requested a leave of absence in order to travel hundreds of miles back to Judah and to rebuild (Neh. 2:1-8). With just a quick reading of the text it may be easy for us to miss the significance of Nehemiah’s request. First, he was willing to appear sad in heart before the king which was forbidden. Second, he was willing to make some pretty bold requests of the king for provisions (papers for safe passage and timber for the rebuilding project). Third, he was willing to give up a position many people would love to have in the king’s court. Being the cupbearer in the king’s court was a great honor and one only for those who were considered trustworthy. Most likely with this position came access to private information and considerable wealth (Neh. 5:14-18).

Why would Nehemiah want to put his life on the line and go before the king and make such bold requests? Why would Nehemiah allow his life to be inconvenienced by the happenings back in Jerusalem? It appears he was so deeply concerned about the people back in Jerusalem, he had to act.

What moves you to act? Are you moved to act out of concern for what’s going on around you or are you only moved to act when and if it is convenient? Nehemiah’s concern for Jerusalem and her people led him to take action in spite of the inconvenience it demanded. May we all be moved to act courageously, even when it’s an inconvenience to our lives.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

QUESTION: What are some things that move you to act even though it may cause an inconvenience to your life?