Strive toward Self-less living

2 Corinthians 5: 14-15 

Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own. (Message)
2 Corinthians 5: 14-15 
14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (NIV)

I love reading two versions of the same passage, side-by-side. I can often see more clearly what the words intend for me to understand. It also helps me see how I can personally apply these words to my own life. For application is where the rubber meets the road. Simply reading these inspired words without giving thought to how they might apply to me, is wasting opportunity for growth.

When Jesus was on the earth, He modeled the selfless life perfectly. Then he admonishes us to do the same. I know that I am far from self-less. In fact I am, more often than not, selfish and make everything all about me and my desires. 

Jesus acted for the benefit of those around him, by thinking of others' needs and suppressing His own desires. Jesus died for each of us. That is the most selfless act of all time. John 15:13 reads: Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. We might think we can act like this too. Remember Peter when he told Jesus, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." (John 13:36) We know how that turned out. If not, read John 13:38.

Life lived while deferring to our neighbors, is the type of living Jesus wants for us. Unity will thrive in an environment of selflessness.


2 Corinthians 5:11-21

And it was so!

Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation..." And it was so.  Genesis 1:11

And God said, "Let there be lights...." And it was so. Genesis 1:14-15

Day three and day four of creation are highlighted in these two sections of Genesis. "God said...it was so." These are powerful words and ones we can trust and live by today. When God says it, it will be so. Who do we know that we can depend upon for this type of assurance?

I doubt if any of us has not been disappointed by human behavior. Broken promises and unmet expectations are part of life.  Our parents have failed us just as we have failed our children. We are not perfect and will always fall short. 

How many times in a day are we disenchanted by someone's behavior?  How many celebrities have acted in a manner that left us wondering why we admired them in the first place? How many of our own family or friends have not followed through with admirable conduct. How many times have we disappointed and saddened those we care for?

As much as I would like to think I am beyond that, the fact is, I'm not. Only by the grace and goodness of God am I able to maintain any positive outcomes. Only by God's love and affection am I able to change and become a dependable person. 

Only God is righteous and it is by his love I am redeemed from a life that disappoints and disrupts the good I want to do.

 Genesis 1:11-19

James 1: 17-21

Living as Firstfruits

James, brother of Jesus, authored this book to a general audience: to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations”-a figurative reference to believers worldwide. That general address includes Christians of all times and places.

 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created."

The first fruits of any crop are the favorites; the sweetest and most desired of the total harvest. It’s kind of an uplifting feeling to be the favored, yet with that comes responsibility.

I remember feeling very inferior as a child within my classroom. I was close to the bottom of the social hierarchy, and my clothes were an obvious illustration of that. The feelings of being less than many of the other “cool” kids was burdensome, but I do recall being able to go basically unnoticed, while the popular and over-achieving students had a burden of their own. They were always in the spotlight, so had to be at the top of their game in order to hold up to their reputation. I’m not sure which of us carried a heavier load, but I do know that I learned a great deal about how not to treat others, and often thought about how I would handle things if I were one of the favorites. Little did I know back then, that I was a firstfruit in the eyes of the Lord and that was all that mattered.

Realizing we are firstfruits of the Lord, brings us to an obligation to do as our God commands; to Love God, love others, and reach out to others in His name. Understanding our role in this world as modern day disciples of Jesus helps us find our way through the maze of humanness, and guides to the life that was intended for us. 

James goes on to say “My dear brothers, take note of this; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”  

Amen. 

Read/Listen to James 1: 17-21