The last week or so I have been concentrating on loving one another, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and making certain we identify ourselves as followers of Christ. One subject which we don't like to talk about that goes hand in hand with loving one another is selfishness and selflessness.
James 3:14-16 - But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
Selfishness is one of the characteristics of our old man pre-salvation that we should be putting to death at every opportunity. Since the fall of man our human nature is to be selfish seeking self-preservation and our wants, needs, and desires with no thought to anyone else. But through our salvation and being brought up out of darkness and into the light, we have been given a new spirit.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."
When we are saved through believing in Jesus Christ crucifixion, death, and resurrection, God gives us His Spirit. His spirit causes us to walk in His statutes, commandments, teachings, etc. If so, then our first thought should be about someone other than ourselves. Our first thoughts should be about making life a little easier for someone else...to be a blessing to someone else. Hence the title of this post..
I know the title of this blog post is silly. It was intended to be. As silly as it sounds, it takes no real effort to replace the toilet paper roll for the person coming behind you. It is the same no matter what the task is. If you get the last glass of iced tea, then make another pitcher of tea. If you eat the last piece of bread, then get another loaf the next time you are at the store. I know these are simple tasks...simple things that don't really mean a lot and don't make us big spiritual Christians, but they are a reflection of what is in our hearts. Sometimes being a follower of Christ is not glamorous.
Matthew 20:27, 28 - "And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave - Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Most of the time it is just those tiny daily tasks that someone else does that can bring peace and joy to someone's day. Every one of us wants to know that our friends and loved one are thinking about us throughout the day and what joy do we experience when something small and unexpected is done for us...before we have to do it? I know it always brings a smile to my face...
How many other small things can you think of that you could do in a day that lets someone else know you are putting them first and yourself last?
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