Thursday, December 11, 2008

Giving up "center stage"

"Let each of you look out...for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 NKJV

The Bible says, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." In other words, give up "center stage." Now that's easier said than done because we tend to be preoccupied with one person - me!

You ask someone, "How's it going?" Thinking you really want to hear, they start sharing a recent success. That's your signal. You jump in mid-sentence, blow their light out and say, "Think that's something? Let me tell you about..." You're off and running, right over the deflated ego of your friend who's wishing they'd kept walking when they first saw you. They'd hoped to hear something like, "That's wonderful, tell me more." Instead they get treated to a litany of your opinions and achievements. Whatever happened to "Rejoice with those who rejoice" (Ro 12:15 NIV).

That command cuts across our preoccupation with self and says, "Get over yourself! Vacate center stage. Learn to focus on others." Practice saying, "Enough about me. I want to hear about you. How's your business...wife...health...church?" Stifle the urge to interrupt; just listen! Listen with your ears, your eyes, your mind and your spirit. Try to understand the feelings behind their words. If they're celebrating, "Rejoice with them." If they're hurting, "Mourn with those who sorrow."

The acid test of Christian character is our ability to celebrate another's success, or share their burden as though it were our own. There's no better way to serve and encourage others.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Practice courtesy

"Be courteous...that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:9 NKJV


Common courtesy is becoming less common every day. And that's not good, because the Bible says, "Be courteous...that you may inherit a blessing." Sometimes we're not sure how to go about pleasing God. Preachers have made it complicated: a series of long-drawn-out, deeply painful acts designed to appease a God who delights in making us squirm. The prophet Micah simplifies it: "What does the Lord require of you...to love kindness" (Mic 6:8 NAS). Could language be clearer? Here are ten "not-so-common" courtesies you should work on every day, and teach your children. After all, if they don't learn common courtesy from you, where are they going to learn it?

(1) Go out of your way to speak to people. "Pleasant words are...healing" (Pr 16:24 NIV). (2) Try to remember their names - it shows you value them. (3) Smile; it increases your "face value." (4) Be friendly and helpful. If you do, people will return it (See Pr 18:24). (5) Show genuine interest. You can find something good in almost anybody, if you try (Php 4:8). (6) Be generous with your praise and cautious with your criticism. (7) Be slow to judge. There are three sides to every story - your side, their side, and the right side. (8) Instead of "using" others, serve them: "By love serve one another" (Gal 5:13). (9) Start trusting people - it builds lasting relationships. (10) Be humble. Oswald Chambers said, "When a saint becomes conscious of being a saint, something has gone wrong."

Courtesy does two things: (a) It speaks well of your parents. Jesus said, "Live so that [people] will...praise your Father" (Mt 5:16 NCV). (b) It determines your level of blessing. "Be courteous ...that you may inherit a blessing."

Monday, December 8, 2008

Don't lose your passion for God!

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart."
Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV


There's an interesting sequence of events leading up to Peter's denial of Christ. First, Jesus warned Peter that he was a target: "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Lk 22:31-32). Next we read that when the authorities came to arrest Christ, Peter "followed afar off" (Lk 22:54). Notice, Peter had grown distant from Christ. Then the man who swore he'd die for Jesus denied knowing Him. At that point the rooster crowed, Peter remembered his promise to Jesus, and "went out, and wept bitterly" (Lk 22:55-62).

Observe how it works: (a) You're unprepared for Satan's attack when it comes. (b) You allow work and family pressures to cause you to forget that your first commitment must always be to God. (c) You end up spiritually defeated. You say, "That will never happen to me." That's what Peter said! The reason "Satan hath desired to have you," is because he knows that when you become passionate about God's purposes, you're unstoppable. Indeed, the very desire that's burning within you right now is the fuel that enables you to withstand his attacks.

There's a reason the crucifixion has been referred to as "The Passion." The Bible says of Christ: "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb 12:2 NKJV). Even as He was dying, Jesus was ministering to others. That's passion! So the Word for you today is, "Don't lose your passion for God."