Ephesians 4:1-2 "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to
walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,
with all humility and gentleness, with long-suffering, showing tolerance
for one another in love..."
"It's not about you." That phrase, made popular as the first sentence
in Pastor Rick Warren's best-selling book, "The Purpose Driven Life", is
at the heart of what Paul calls my "worthy walk". Rather than
self-centered, I ought to be focusing outward, concerned more about the
needs of others than my own. My interaction with others should
resemble that of Jesus.
Paul's words in Philippians echo in my mind... "Let this mind be in you
which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, not counting equality with God
something to be clung to, emptied Himself, taking the form of a
bondservant..." Jesus, King of the Universe, breathed life into the
words, "humility, gentleness, long-suffering, tolerance". He is my example, the
pattern after which the Holy Spirit is conforming my life. God intends
for me to look like Him, both inside and out. That's not easy.
Too often I am more self-centered than others-oriented. I think of my
needs more than theirs. As a result, my attitudes, words, and actions
are less than humble, gentle, long-suffering, and tolerant. It bothers me and
I'm sure it must embarrass my Savior.
Lord, thank You for being so patient with me. I am a work in progress,
but sometimes I just get stuck. Please help me to be more like You than
me today, to see others through Your eyes and love them with Your
heart.. Amen
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