A Rally For Respect

"For where envy and self-seeking exists, confusion and every evil thing will be there." (James 3:16) 

From ignoring a handshake, to the tearing up of The State of the Union Address, to booing the president in the chamber. These are actions of self-seeking attitudes.

I am sorry that the American audience had to view this display of immaturity, and selfishness.
I am sorry that our young people had to see this.
What must they think of our government in action?

 We see the chaos and evil that comes from having the attitude of selfishness. When we care more for ourselves, than we do others, all kinds of scenarios occur. This is my question for both sides of the aisle: Where is the humility? Where is the mutual respect? Where is the concern for others? Instead of supporting one another in our government relations, we are hurting one another?
What kind of American behavior is this?

And sad to say, we see this in our churches as well. Why does self-contentedness show itself in the Christian community? Is this wisdom from God to act this way?

James tells us that "This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic."(James 3:14) But wisdom from God is that we be: 1) pure 2) peaceable 3) gentle 4) willing to yield 5) be full of mercy 6) showing good fruits (Gal.5:22-23) 7) showing no partiality. (James 3:17) 

If we would put into practice these things, that make up the wisdom of God, what a change it would make in our government, in our society, and especially in our Christian communities! GP

Boasting In Us, Or In Christ

"But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Galatians 6:14)

 How do you feel about your past?

There are some that just can't get past their past experiences, They are trapped by guilt, and resentment. And there are some who glory in their past.

Many have written books on their past struggles with alcoholism, and drug addiction, child abuse, and sexual abuse. I do admire the effort, and success of those who overcame these experiences. But I wonder, especially with our young people.
If after reading, and hearing these stories, if they don't think, "If I had a story of struggle with something to tell about, maybe people would listen to me, and value me? 

The Apostle Paul did mention his past, in his letter to the church at Philippi.
He said that at one time, he felt that he had grounds for having confidence in the flesh. But he said that he put it all behind him, and counted all of his past experiences, and accomplishments, as rubbish, that he might pursue his greatest goal, and that is to know Jesus Christ, as his Savior, and Lord of his life. (Philippians 3)

In our text, Paul says, I am never going to boast about anything (my past efforts, accomplishments). The only thing I am going to boast about, is in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was at the cross that Jesus put to death our sins. In accepting Him as Savior, we are putting to death, and burying (at baptism) our sinful and miserable past, to be experienced no more.

The credit should go to Jesus Christ. Our story of redemption, and deliverance should be centered in Jesus Christ, not in us. Yes, we have "a story to tell to the nations." It is not a story of self-help, but a story of divine help. If we are dead to the world, our story should be, of how we are alive in Christ, and how we are heaven bound! GP

 Photo ID 66247312 © Imtmphoto | Dreamstime.com

A Balcony Person

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." 
(Philippians 2:3-4) 

I remember a movie line from the movie
"The Rookie" "Your grandfather once told me it was ok to think about what you want to do, until it was time to start doing what you were meant to do." 

It would be great in our society, if we could get our minds off ourselves, and focus on what we were meant to be, and to do. When our Lord Jesus, came to this earth, He came to do what He was meant to do, and that was, to be the Savior of the world. He was meant to bring light and hope to this dark world. And that's just what He did.

The apostle Paul tells us in our text, what we as Christians are meant to do.
We are to put aside our selfish ambition, and focus on the needs of others. Yes, there are things that we want to accomplish, goals we want to attain.
But too often we gain those pursuits at the expense of others. It is a competitive world out there, and getting more so, every year.

How many people know what it feels like to be a balcony person.
"A Balcony Person brings people to a higher place – where they can flourish, live freely, pursue their passions, & become better human beings. Balcony People encourage, help, give, serve, are considerate, enthusiastic & joyful, quick to forgive, good listeners, diligent, compassionate. They make people’s lives better. They also make PEOPLE better .They know how to encourage others to grow into the best version of themselves" (youaretheoneiwant.com) 

It should never be about us. We will be blessed by God, when we bless others, with our love, and concern, instead of our selfishness. GP

 Photo - Unsplash/9189 images - CCO Public Domain - Free for commercial use - No attribution required - www.pixabay.com

The Seriousness Of Selfishness

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4) 

An anthropologist was winding up several months of research in a small village, the story is told. While waiting for a ride to the airport for his return flight home, he decided to pass the time by making up a game for some children. His idea was to create a race for a basket of fruit and candy that he placed near a tree. But when he gave the signal to run, no one made a dash for the finish line. Instead the children joined hands and ran together to the tree. When asked why they chose to run as a group rather than each racing for the prize, a little girl spoke up and said: “How could one of us be happy when all of the others are sad?” Because these children cared about each other, they wanted all to share the basket of fruit and candy." (Our Daily Bread 7/29/2016) 

As Christians, why is it that we fail to ask ourselves "what would Jesus do?, 
in regard to our relationship with others. The answer is that Jesus always thought of the needs of others, over Himself. He defiantly showed this in His ministry, and extremely in His death on the cross.

How can we be a help to others? How can we make a difference for others? These are the questions we should always ask, if we are to fulfill the law of Christ, in our lives. (John 13:34) GP

 Photo ID 26456755 © Yuryz | Dreamstime.com

My Way Or The Highway

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." (Philippians 2:3) 

Watching the GOP debates, it is evident in my mind, that you are not going to see the display of good character. Talk about selfish ambition and conceit.

Does this display of bad character ever show up in the church? It does! And Satan is hoping that more of it will show up.

 When the battle for power, and position take place, it affects the body of Christ in a very strong negative way. When it comes down to not just involving individuals, but groups of people, in the tug-of-war, it causes division, and destruction.

When the attitude is "My way, or the highway", there will be a highway that is taken, leaving a space, where love and ministry needed to be.

It's time in our churches, that we eat a lot of humble pie. If the event of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, in John 13, mean anything to us, we will follow the Savior's action and teaching. We are called to minister to one another, not compete with one another.

It's time to start acting like Jesus, instead of acting like the selfish egotistical people, we have seen debating the important issues of our country Yes, it's time to "esteem others better than ourselves" (v.3) and see the profitable path this will take us. GP

 Photo ID 22708586 © Jamie Roach | Dreamstime.com