Most people I meet are focused on one thing- themselves. Now, that's not meant to be critical, it's just a reality of our fallen human condition. I too have ME as the focus of my life. I think it's "normal." But I don't think it's what God had in mind. In fact when I read Paul's letters he is constantly encouraging the church to be others focused. It's how we show the world that we are different- we live an impossible life, dependent on Christ to live his life through us and living that life for those around us. To be "others-focused" is impossible for us as humans apart from the power of God in us. It is mission impossible apart from Christ in me. He calls me to live my life outward, for others. Like everyone else on planet earth I care most about ME. So for anyone to do this means we must have help from outside, and we do! God has provided his spirit to live in us and live through us to accomplish what is totally unnatural to us. It's almost strange to watch as God works in my life doing what "doesn't come naturally" to me: caring for others first. It's a God thing, as we say around here. It's God, living through me to demonstrate his original intention for me. And here it is:
Joh 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Joh 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
5 comments:
As a mother of 4 I get lessons everyday in caring for others first. I wish I were so much better at it! That verse is a great reminder! A reminder that I should make sure I see everyday, maybe I will put it on a poster on the wall or something. Thanks for that reminder today, Mike.
What a wonderful service yesterday! It was perfect, just what people needed, I think. It was a wonderful feeling to be in church surrounded by our amazing church family yesterday.
I adore that picture! I sure made me smile!
What you said reminds me of what Jill Briscoe said when she was here. She said that when we sit down to do Bible study we always think, "What's in it for me? How does this apply to ME?" She said that though there is an application for us, it's not all about US - but about the author - God. I had never thought of it that way. Sometimes I forget to just spend time with God - just to be with Him and not to see what I can take away from the time. I do always benefit, but sometimes the benefit is from seeing who He is in a way that I haven't before considered.
Pete Briscoe was amazing. I feel so ministered to by his words. I am so thankful that he was such a faithful servant to us yesterday.
Sorry - the above comment was from me.
Schweers' Mom
You are both so right. God has been working through all of this. It's so great to see HIS hand in this trial. I can't wait to see what he will do next.
The Lord worked a miracle thru Pete on Sunday. I feel as though the spirit of God filled the entire church and healing began.
When I walked out of church I felt better then I have all week. Between the church family caring for one another and Pete's amazing sermon, the sorrow is starting to lift. -R
Thanks to all the pastors, Pete and every member of the church, without you it would be much harder.
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