LOVE THROUGH HUMILITY
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)
A mentor once told me if we spent less time trying to be interesting and became interested in others, we would change the world around us. Think of the people you are drawn to, the people who embody the life of Christ so well; most of them are interested in other people. They are free to love others and serve. Jerry Frye, who was in our church for years and recently went to be with Jesus, told the story of how one day God told him that he’s free to love. Jerry was such a huge draw to me when I first got to Brookwood. He loved me and my family so well. He didn’t try to impress me or my family; he loved and served my family, and he became interested. I can honestly say that in those short few months, he profoundly impacted my life. He never preached a sermon to me, wrote a book I read, or did anything by the world's standards that seemed outrageous, but he marked my life with his love through service.
Did you ever slow down to think about the most interesting man in the world—Jesus—was more interested in those around Him? He washed the feet of the disciples; He served those in need and allowed Himself to constantly be interrupted. There truly has never been anyone in human history like Jesus. No one in human history could ever rival His power. We are told that all authority on heaven and earth was given to Him. Yet, there has never been anyone with His power who has been that kind and loving. Most people become corrupted by power, but Jesus used His position to serve and love. Humility really is self-forgetfulness. It’s where we become free from ourselves to love and see others. If all we see are our needs, problems and interests, then we can’t see those around us. God has set us free from sin and also from ourselves. Like Jesus, we empty ourselves of our rights and humbly serve and love those around us. It isn’t complicated, but it isn’t always easy. May God give us eyes to see the needs of those around us and the humility to serve and care for those in need.
APPLICATION:
Today, spend more time being interested in other than trying to be interesting
PRAYER:
Think about how much time you spend focusing on yourself. Ask the Spirit to set you free to love others through the emptying of yourself. Ask the Spirit to help you put the needs of others above yourself. Thank Jesus for doing that with us!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?