Make 2014 a year of Sharing
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind
regard one another as more important than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
If you are married,
you should know this. If you are a
parent, you should know this. If you
have a best friend, you should know this.
We are all called to put others before ourselves. Relationships are built on trust and love
between two people. There are many
depths of love that individuals can have for one another ranging from Eros
(sensual/physical love) to Philia (friendship love) to Storge (affectionate
love) to Thelema (desire) to Agape (love of the Father). Each of these draw individuals together with
the intent of strengthening a relationship.
The single key though is the selflessness and humility that is required. The true art of loving another person comes
from your ability to put their needs before your own.
I’ve watched this in my own children from time to time. As all siblings do from time to time, an argument will ensue over the possession of some object. “It’s mine!” “No, it’s mine!” back and forth the sparring will continue. This is a natural and normal part of growing up and discovering one’s ability to handle debate and conflict, so often times Lisa and I just let it play out. What amazes me though is when one of them will stop, look at the conflict and internally decide that it’s not worth fighting over, and gives in. “It’s okay, you can have it.” Inside of their mind they are making a decision that it is more important for the other child to have joy, than it is to fight and argue over a toy. A small but very real example of how the act of selflessness rather than selfishness can lead to peace and love.
When you think about your purpose on this earth, it is really not about you at all. God sent His Son in the ultimate selfless act to die so that you might believe in Him and have eternal life. You did nothing to deserve this, or to achieve it. He did it all for you. With this eternal destiny, your life here is meant for nothing more than furthering His Kingdom and bringing others to the same destination. You aren’t here to make millions, or to hide in your own little box while waiting for the end to come. You are here to get out there and make a difference in the world, putting others first and loving them as Christ loved you.
A truly selfless act is to help another find eternal peace. You gain nothing in doing so. For you do not own heaven or God’s love, but you realize the critical importance of a loved one’s eternal destiny. It is this love for another that should drive you to want them to experience God’s love the same way you have. The glory belongs to God Almighty and only God Almighty. Your role is nothing more than bringing them to the point of experiencing it for themselves. This is done by living Christ-like in all that you do and say. Let them see Jesus in you, and when the appropriate time comes, introduce them to the Agape love that only the Father can provide. No pride, no ego, no self-centered pats on the back – accept the fact that you are nothing more than a vessel used by God for His purpose. Humbly walk in the path of the Savior and let His light shine through you and watch with amazement as the Lord does His work.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts
I’ve watched this in my own children from time to time. As all siblings do from time to time, an argument will ensue over the possession of some object. “It’s mine!” “No, it’s mine!” back and forth the sparring will continue. This is a natural and normal part of growing up and discovering one’s ability to handle debate and conflict, so often times Lisa and I just let it play out. What amazes me though is when one of them will stop, look at the conflict and internally decide that it’s not worth fighting over, and gives in. “It’s okay, you can have it.” Inside of their mind they are making a decision that it is more important for the other child to have joy, than it is to fight and argue over a toy. A small but very real example of how the act of selflessness rather than selfishness can lead to peace and love.
When you think about your purpose on this earth, it is really not about you at all. God sent His Son in the ultimate selfless act to die so that you might believe in Him and have eternal life. You did nothing to deserve this, or to achieve it. He did it all for you. With this eternal destiny, your life here is meant for nothing more than furthering His Kingdom and bringing others to the same destination. You aren’t here to make millions, or to hide in your own little box while waiting for the end to come. You are here to get out there and make a difference in the world, putting others first and loving them as Christ loved you.
A truly selfless act is to help another find eternal peace. You gain nothing in doing so. For you do not own heaven or God’s love, but you realize the critical importance of a loved one’s eternal destiny. It is this love for another that should drive you to want them to experience God’s love the same way you have. The glory belongs to God Almighty and only God Almighty. Your role is nothing more than bringing them to the point of experiencing it for themselves. This is done by living Christ-like in all that you do and say. Let them see Jesus in you, and when the appropriate time comes, introduce them to the Agape love that only the Father can provide. No pride, no ego, no self-centered pats on the back – accept the fact that you are nothing more than a vessel used by God for His purpose. Humbly walk in the path of the Savior and let His light shine through you and watch with amazement as the Lord does His work.
© Sondove Enterprises, 2014
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts
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