Its Not About You



     Ask yourself, what am I? What defines me? What do I live for? Myself...or others? Its a question you really need to search deep down and answer honestly before your time is up on this earth. Anything of the world, stays in the world. What is made by man corrodes and fades away. If you live for money, you die for no gain as money is a man made institution. Instead, we should live for others...live the way Christ did. When we leave this world, only the spirit leaves and what the spirit has done with its time, will be judged accordingly. Jesus didn't just die on the cross to give us entry into heaven, but to teach us how to live

     Philippians Chapter 2 is a perfect guide on how to live for others and serve like Christ served. When you read this chapter, you begin to understand that God is telling us...It is not about you...it is about others. 

     I recently studied the book of Philippians with the help of an audio guide provided by Through the Word. Using the Bible app (you can also use the Through the Word app), you can find many Through the Word bible plans to read and listen too. They break each verse/chapter in such a way that even the book of revelations becomes understandable. I want to share a reading from their discussion of Philippians Chapter 2. Its about this change in mindset. A mindset that will make our Father God so proud and smile when we meet face to face. I hope you enjoy this reading as much as I did:


"Jesus said the mark of true Christians is love for one another. When to live for Christ, that life is lived for others. 
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2) 
Jesus loves us. That’s where it starts. The love Jesus shows you – share it. And notice that Paul’s call to unity is not a call to uniformity. He does not say dress the same, talk the same, or act the same. So lose the cookie cutter. Unity works from the inside out – “like minded” - “the same love” - “one in spirit” - and “of one mind” (2:2). Christianity works like a seed that you plant, not a mold that you fit. 
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (2:3) 
That little verse is a revolution. Man, if we could just live that out. Seriously. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition...” - that means don’t strive to get yourself ahead. Don’t live for self. “…or vain conceit.” – that means don’t be conceited. Don’t think you are better than others. It’s vain, empty, worthless.Now most people know that conceit is wrong. 
“Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (2:3)
There – that’s the revolution. Genuine humility. And it’s about others. Value others. Think about other people as more important than yourself. Man, when I heard this the first time, I thought it was about the best idea I’d ever heard. Because I was way too familiar with the alternative. The whole world runs on envy – on selfish ambition - me against them and me better than them. And it’s pointless. Run the rat race as fast as you can, you’re still a rat. 
Now remember, this is about unity. And the key to unity is humility. And as CS Lewis said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” Listen, work is hard, but hard work just to make yourself happy – is miserable. Jesus rescued us from the emptiness of the self-centered life, and he gave us others. Not to make you happy – so you can make someone else happy.So what does humility look like in the flesh? We have one amazing example. Verse 5: 
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (2:5-7). 
The same mindset as Christ, the Jesus attitude. And Jesus came to serve. I should point out that verse 6 is a clear proclamation that Jesus is God – his very nature – who He is – God. But that’s exactly what makes the whole thing so amazing. Jesus didn’t come to show off his deity. The One who made everything – made himself nothing. He is by his very nature God, and he took the very nature of a servant.
Jesus poured out his life for others. 
So Paul says, this is how to live. Watch and you’ll see. The most miserable people you encounter talk about themselves, think about themselves, and grumble and argue constantly about others. The most joyful people you’ll find forget themselves and serve. 
So I guess the answer to the question, what is a Christian all about? Well, same thing Christ is about. Others."

     I hope you enjoyed that snippet  from Through the Word. I mentioned this before and I stress it again, it is all about Love. Loving your neighbor, your friends, your family, and everyone else in this world. Many people ask the famous question...What is the meaning of life? The answer is Love! I am just like all of you. I am not perfect. I too have times I struggle. I am trying to live my life with love for everyone...in a world where the media focuses on hate and murder.  I find myself stumbling at times when I get hurt feelings, frustrated, and angry. When we do stumble, be quick to forgive others, be fast to repent, and continue to serve like Christ...with Love. Please share this message of Love with everyone you know this season. I ask you to join me in prayer:

God, forgive me of all my sins and remove all unrighteousness from my body, spirit, and mind. I love you. Thank you for loving me. Your love is perfect and I ask that you let us all discover this true love that you have shown us. I ask that you open the hearts of all of us on this earth, to truly realize and live for others, just as Jesus did for us. Let us live for others, and always be filled with love for all. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.


Want to talk with us, message us in the comments below! We would like to hear what you are thankful for as well! We Love hearing from our readers!

Click here to submit a Prayer Request!


Ken is a blogger at Christian Pals Blog. He enjoys anything creative and playing golf.
Proud father, husband, and servant of God.


If you enjoy reading the Christian Pals Blog, click "subscribe" at the top of the screen so you can receive an email alert for every new posting! You can also click "follow" on the right side at the home page.

Visit and subscribe on our instagram page @christianpalsblog






Comments

  1. Hi, Ken!

    Thanks for this. I have gained a new perspective.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Please share your thoughts and stories with us! We enjoy hearing how God has worked in your life as well!