The paradox of The Gospel never ceases to amaze my feeble mind. It's also the thing that I continually struggle with in this world of self-promotion, individual "brand" management and the what-about-me society that we live in today.
Paul wrote - "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." - Philippians 2:3-4
When I look at that, I have to ask myself:
- Do you honestly do all you do with no selfish ambition?
- Do you place EVERYONE above your own ambitious desires?
It's amazing what happens when we do this.
When we make the conscious decision to live each day in the center of God's will, make dying to self a first-thing-in-the-morning priority and empty ourselves of SELF so that we can fill up with God, we become the salt He has called us to be to this world. We become the light that shines in the dark places for those around us. Our ultimate plan that He has for each and every one of us becomes so much clearer when we focus on becoming less so that He can become more.
What a paradox!
What a radical mindset!
What a wonderful calling!
What a daily goal to have - to live so close to the heart of Christ that we can hear his heartbeat and heartache for those around us!