Philippians 2:4-8 (The Message) ~ Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourself the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of Himself that He had to cling to the advantage of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, He sat aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of slave, became human! Having become human, He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death- and the worst kind of death at that- crucifixion.
What kind of an example are we showing others about who Christ is? If we profess to be a ” Christian”, are we really doing a good job portraying Christ to others?
I’ll be honest with you.. ( which is something you can count on from me) ..I know that I fail God and don’t always behave in a manner that is pleasing to God. Example: When my husband who knows me best and is the best friend I have, points out something that I don’t want to hear, I can’t say that I respond in a Christ-like manner always. 🙂 ( Does what I am wearing look ok?…or..Heather, I really need some shirts pressed…and I respond with “Well, why don’t you take them yourself to the cleaners because I am busy too you know” instead of ” ok honey, you work hard and I am sorry I have slacked in that area” 🙂 )
Look at everything that Christ Jesus did and gave up for you and me!! What are we giving up for Him? What are we surrendering to Him?
No matter how good we try to be, we live in a fallen world…and Satan is on the prowl, trying to trip us up and mess up our witness. Be careful, don’t let him!
As a “baby” Christian, it is SO important to get involved with a church, bible study, or to be mentored or discipled by someone who is more spiritually mature. Why? Well, I can tell you that it helps you to be stronger in your faith. Being stronger in your faith will then allow you to make a larger impact for Christ. I am not saying that it is a “requirement”…I am simply saying that it couldn’t hurt. When I say “baby Christian”, I am not referring to age.
Now, as a believer that has been one for a long time, you can still need to grow. Listen, I am talking about myself too! If any of us believers get to the point where we think we don’t need to grow or learn anything else, then I believe we are in trouble! We have to continue to grow and learn in order to make a difference for Christ!
It’s hard to fathom that Jesus…who was without sin, chose to suffer for us! Would I do the same? Would you?
My Savior willingly chose to suffer more than our small little minds can fathom…makes me want to willingly step out of my comfort zone even more…because, OH how I love HIM so!
What might you need to do right this moment to bring Him glory? It doesn’t have to be huge..it could be a smile to someone, or a kind word..or it could be something bigger. Do you need to respond to something more important, something that could make a difference for eternity? Just the smallest act of obedience will bless you…because it blesses and glorifies Him!
I have to witness to the fact that HE has so blessed me with feelings of joy, peace and contentment in HIM, since I have responded to HIS calling in my life. Everybody has a calling from Christ and each day it could be different. Will you answer His call?
If you feel Him calling you to accept Him as your Lord and Savior..what are you waiting on? Don’t wait until it is too late…life on earth is not guaranteed…life as a believer in Christ Jesus is eternal!
Heard this song on the radio after I had written this post..coincidence? I think not..
you_can_have_me_sidewalk_prophets_these_simple_truths_
Be blessed my friends!
UNTIL NEXT TIME ! 🙂
Hope For The Broken 