08 May Loose Yourself
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. – Philippian 2: 1-4
I have been pondering on this scripture for some days and I have found it very instructive for our daily living. It is important that we apply the word of God to every area of our life, so as to have a purposeful and peaceable life that will have positive impact on others and our family. There is no doubt that we all desire the comfort of love, fellowship of the spirit and sacrifice of other people affectionately toward us. But most of the time there is conflict of interest which stands as a hindrance to our relationship with God and others. The devil has robbed us of growth and progress because we have dwelt too much on thoughts around self, “it’s all about me”.
The first hindrance is self-ambition. It is the main reason we find it difficult to obtain help from God and brethren because we are too conscious of ourselves and always desiring everything to be all about us. In most cases those selfish ambitions and interest have been allowed to becloud the greater picture which lies ahead. I have heard people say that if it is not done in my own way then it cannot happen. That is the reason there is a rise in divorce, lack of unity in the church and the nation, collapse of business partnership, division among brothers and breakdown in our relationship with others.
The second hindrance is pride, which is the root of our broken relationship with God, family and friends. The philosophy in the world that we are living has encouraged the arrogant line of thought that we can do it by ourselves that we don’t need the help of others. More so, we get really engrossed with our little achievements to the extent that we think we don’t need knowledge and instruction from others in order to acquire more wisdom to improve. Jesus Christ our Lord says that “I am lowly in heart”, therefore break yourself free from the spirit of pride. No man can be an island unto himself.
Finally the hindrance of not serving others is the reason for you to be surrounded with unfaithful people. We must realize that we are called and chosen by God to serve other people. That is the purpose why Jesus our Lord came to give himself as a sacrificial lamb in order to serve humanity. The heart of service to other human being is the secret of divine exaltation and spiritual growth. Present yourself as a living sacrifice for the interest of other people; make yourself available as the helper of their destiny.
May the Lord keep you from evil and grant you peace all around you.
Yours in His vineyard
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