When people discourage you
Philippians 2:1-30
“Fulfill ye may my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each other esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:1-5
I first started reading this verse and I think it is appropriate to put first in this entry. “For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” I got so discouraged reading this because it’s so true with everyone. We always seek our own. And when He says “all” he means all. That includes me and everyone around me. That when I think I’m finally doing something right, I’m not. And only God working in me can keep me from being selfish.
The first thought that came to my mind is how horrible our world is now, Christians and non-Christians. Where non- Christians are shooting each other, taking drugs and dispersing them, drinking and sleeping around with others. Then you get the actual Christians who talk about each other behind each others backs, trying their best to make themselves look better. They treat each other with a hostility that is totally opposite from what God has intended. In many cases we as Christians are no better off than the un-Christian realm.
This was my first thought when I read that verse, and now as I am writing I find my thoughts going deeper. In vs. 30 it says “because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.” This made me start thinking that it is me who is being selfish and me who regards my own life, it’s me who lacks service to the Lord. I look to others so often and say “they aren’t serving, they aren’t giving” and so fourth. And when someone treats me bad I find myself distancing myself from that person physically when really I need to draw them to myself and surround them with the Christ-like love that I am supposed to serve with. That my service to the Lord is not to look at people and point out their sins that God already knows, but to love them with a love that no human being can accomplish without the Lord.
Another thing I just wanted to add is that when people are talking behind your back or treating you in a negative way, it may ruin your reputation, it may make you look bad and that specific person look cool or whatever. Yet what they have done to you, and your response to that person is what is recorded by Christ. Here on earth and what is cool or popular doesn’t matter but in heaven consequences will be there. Many Christians will be without crowns, don’t be one of them….
2:15
Another good verse is this one “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” We are dealing with a crooked and perverse people, and many times we are crooked and perverse people as well. Yet we are to be set apart from them, standing alone, even when others are not with us…..
2:7-8
We are to humble ourselves and say that they are better than us…
2:1-5
This is the hardest thing to do. To be able to have joy after someone blows you off because they don’t agree with you or they don’t think your cool enough. It is so hard to have to love those yet who gossip behind your back. Its hard to see another persons point of view when you think they’re wrong. Yet his is what God calls us to do, and to do it humbly. To look at a person you are a victim to and be able to look at them and think “you are better than me, I look at you and think higher of you, than I do myself” That is exactly what Jesus is telling us to do, yet it is the most difficult thing to do.
I honestly can’t tell you if I am able to do that, in fact, I know it is something that I cannot do. Yet through God I am able, with His power I qualified, with His love and grace I am equipped. Now is the time to get this right with God, I am but will you? You are in my prayers.
Note: Read My Utmost for His Highest on Feb. 9th, it really encouraged me and hopefully you. Also read Isaiah 40:28-31
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home