“In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” Phil 2:3-4
What mindset invariably leads to serving others? Humility. When we see ourselves as undeserving of the least of God’s goodness, then we esteem others better than ourselves. When our own faults are clearly before our eyes, we have no room left for criticizing others.
Luke 22:24-27
“And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so:but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth”
Here, The Lord is saying to us that in the world, the kings – achievers, champions and leaders of the Gentiles are amongst the unbelievers who do not know God nor have their lives submitted to Him. These are the strong (physical, material, intellectual) who think that it is their natural right to lord it over and oppress the weak.
Christ says that we believers CANNOT think in that beastial way. God’s Kingdom simply does not operate that way! There is nothing that we have, attained or achieved that God didn’t give to us. Our good health is from Him. Our protection from life threatening accidents and mishaps are by His grace. Therefore, the rewards from our unique giftings, special abilities, outstanding successes and distinguished intelligences are to be used to glorify God in serving others who are seemingly less endowed. That is Purposeful Living!
And when we, in genuine and personal humility, esteem others as we ought, we will cease to look for ways to please ourselves and begin to look for ways to help others. Rather than using others to better ourselves, we will USE OURSELVES to BETTER OTHERS.
What have your goals and thoughts been about this day? Are you planning the hours in such a way as to better your own situation or as to better the situation of others around you? Is your great concern the fulfillment of personal ambitions or is your ambition to lose yourself in the service and benefiting of God’s people around you?
How we plan our day, how we use our time, how we spend our money — these are all barometers of true humility. May your self-esteem be transformed today into service for others. May you find the great joy and satisfaction that only and paradoxically comes from giving up your own pleasure for the sake of others.
John 13: 4-17 The True Secret of Happiness
“He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples ‘feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded……………………………………….So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord:and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
If ye know these things, HAPPY ARE YE IF YE DO THEM”
Once again, may you and I find the great joy and satisfaction that only and paradoxically comes from giving up your own pleasure for the sake of others.
God is our goal. Of course, I am aware of the fact that we tend to loose focus occasionally, but we refuse to fail.
Love always.
Good morning, let us go for it! It is a worthy cause.
The Liteman T