Philippians 2:1-3
As a staff at Emmanuel, one of our team values is cooperation. The journey can often get tiring and bumpy. All too often people think ministry is such an easy job but in reality it's often messy, but 1,000% worth it. As I sit back and reflect on the other week (Action Day Camp) I simply admire Sarah’s willingness to show cooperation. Early mornings and long days make for a man (me) wanting to fall down on the couch and clock out for the day. She knows that in that moment, I have laid out my all for the kids, and she helps take things off my plate as much as possible. The needs of the family, pets, and everyday life don't go away during Action Day Camp week so being clocked out for the day is not a perfect reality for my wife. Sarah and I are able to work together for the bigger picture in our household, the same can be true in our journey of faith with other believers. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:1-3:
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Jesus clearly shows us throughout His life that He is the ultimate role model for cooperation. He willingly humbled Himself to accomplish God's plan for our salvation. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we must come to a mindset that changes how we view things in this world. We are called to be salt in the world, which means to be different in a good way. Real cooperation starts when we stop asking, "What's best for me?" and begin asking, "How can I help others succeed?" The world tells us to do what's best for me when we should be focused on what points people to Jesus.
Here is a challenge for you to start this week (hopefully it sticks with you longer). It’s called the J.O.Y Challenge.
Jesus
Others
You
What if we ran our daily lives through this model, where would 90% of our actions fit into? What about 75% or even 50%? Let us take today to reset our minds on serving others. Paul says it best in verse 3 which says:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
So, I leave you with this one simple question. Who can you encourage or help this week?
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Jesus clearly shows us throughout His life that He is the ultimate role model for cooperation. He willingly humbled Himself to accomplish God's plan for our salvation. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we must come to a mindset that changes how we view things in this world. We are called to be salt in the world, which means to be different in a good way. Real cooperation starts when we stop asking, "What's best for me?" and begin asking, "How can I help others succeed?" The world tells us to do what's best for me when we should be focused on what points people to Jesus.
Here is a challenge for you to start this week (hopefully it sticks with you longer). It’s called the J.O.Y Challenge.
Jesus
Others
You
What if we ran our daily lives through this model, where would 90% of our actions fit into? What about 75% or even 50%? Let us take today to reset our minds on serving others. Paul says it best in verse 3 which says:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
So, I leave you with this one simple question. Who can you encourage or help this week?
Posted in Devotional