by: Millie Plastaras
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.Phillipians 2:3-4
In the course of a day, if we kept a log book, how many times do you suppose that you think about your problems, your needs, your money, and how everyone is failing you? Or how God is failing You? Or how you don't have enough, or how unfair life is being to you. Some might say this is internal whining. It probably is, but we won't go there today :)
Instead, let us take issue with some of these things. I have noticed increasingly how self focused people are.It is my rights, my things, my money, my desires, my opinions that come first. Me, me, me. It's all about me. And if you don't meet my expectations, and if you don't do what I think you should you are not my friend. It almost reminds me of 2 kids playing marbles and one gets mad at the other because they are winning and saying if you don't let me win, I am going to take my marbles and go home.
Satisfy me, or you are not my friend.
Meet my needs, or you are not really a friend.
Never mention money to me or you won't be my friend.
What if I challenge you for one week, just one week, to go out, and think of others. If you see someone in need, pry that wallet open and give them 10 or 20 dollars. If you see someone needs food, take them a bag of groceries. If you have something within your house that you are hoarding, not using, and you know someone needs it, I dare you to give it to them. How about for one week, you put the needs of others above yours?
How about for one week, you try to be a listener, rather than I have to share all my needs first. How about for one week, you try to listen to what your family is saying, without your spin on it, and see what is going on in their lives, without your agenda playing in the background. Listen for their pain. And listen to their needs. Now sometimes we have to sift through it, because they are selfish too. But sometimes they are in pain, and we have been too busy, self-focused, or even to selfish to listen.
Take a moment. Take a deep breath. And then, for one week, I challenge you to let go of all selfish needs, and just say in each instance, what would the Lord have me to do.
I know I have told this story before, but it captured my heart so much. I had a dear friend, who knew of a young lady in church who needed clothes very badly. And this friend of mine, had simply beautiful clothes. So she went to her closet, picked out her newest and best, and gave them away. And when we asked her why, she said, if it is not something I love, it is not a good gift. Invariably, this is the way she lived. She put others first. And it showed in every area of her spiritual life. Graceful words flowed from her lips, and kindness was her trademark.
My friend, this is practical Christianity. It is ministering to each other. It is what the new testament Christian is supposed to be like. Go read the book of Acts, and see how the church members treated each other. They shared everything they had. They didn't have these cliques, and thinking I am better than you. They opened their hearts, homes, and yes.. that old wallet, and shared what they had. And the church grew unbelievably by the thousands. Maybe this is what is wrong with churches and some Christians today. They are self focused, and not ministering. And when people come in and they are wounded before they get there, they do not feel the love or compassion of anyone.
Do people feel compassion from you? How many people this year have you shared your money, time or resources with? Why? And what are you going to do about it? Are we real Christians or not?
I challenge you this week, to change that behavior, just for one week, and let us see what changes we can make in our relationships, and in the world. Ask God to show you something you can do to minister in a practical way to those around you.
Because we must not only take care of our business, we must look on the needs of others, and reach out every time we see a need. God is calling us. How can we give less than our best?
Let go of me, and start thinking of others. So that they may see Jesus in you and glorify your father who is in heaven, and long for the victory, peace and beauty they see in your soul. My friend, that is the greatest witness to the heart of a true Christian.
Whom are you serving today?
remember:
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last