It's Not About Me

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

If we all looked to the interests of others before our own what a different world it would be.  Pride, self-centeredness, arrogance and the me first mentality permeate our society.  Some days the way I hear people talking about those in their lives literally turns my stomach.  Although, I've done my share of complaining and dragging down those around me, every day I realize more and more that the old adage "kill them with kindness" is amazingly true. 

When we get frustrated with our friends, family, coworkers or just random people in our lives what a powerful message to not only them but ourselves if we would only doing something kind instead of ranting and getting in our head to demean them.  Not even actually, physically doing anything - but maybe just taking a moment and praying for them.  Trying to remember that satan so desperately wants us to be unhappy and at odds with other people that if he can get in our heads through little things like irritating people then he wins. 

Trying to see the bigger picture rather than focusing on the momentary irritation.  What can we learn from someone else's behavior that would help to shape us into a better picture of Christ.  Lately, an urgency of compassion and communication seems to overtake me.  I love nothing more than talking about the things of God with my children.  They are both nearly grown and having deep intimate conversation with them about the Bible and what it means to be a Christian just fills my spirit with joy and a desire to learn even more because they think deep and push me to walk as close with God as I can so that I can talk from a place of personal understanding. 

As believers if we don't practice humility - I don't mean door mat syndrome - but true humility where we seek to serve those in our lives then we aren't reflecting the Savior who washed His disciples feet right before they all scattered out of fear.  What an example!  He loved them all so much even when He knew one would fully betray Him and the rest would desert Him in the hour of His deepest need. 

Love your people - because we aren't promised tomorrow.  Make sure each conversation and moment ends with the certainty they know they are loved.