Verse of the Day 9/18
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Today's verse was the Biblegateway verse of the day. In reading the opening line I couldn't help but think of the political factions in our country. It seems that most things are being done for personal gain or "party" gain. The interests of the people are not truly behind the motives of the actions that are taken. There is very little thought given to the interest of others if it will benefit the other "party".
But before we (including me) become too critical of politicians, what of ourselves?
My reading in the Proverbs this morning was in chapter 3 where verses 5 and 6 tell us to "lean not on our own understanding, but in all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight". The straight path is one that looks not only to our interests but also to the interest of others. God's Word is "lamp to our feet and a light to our path" (Psalm 119:105). The person who spends time in God's Word and humbly follows will go down the right path. It won't be easy, but it will lead where He wants you to go.
Pastor James Smith writes:
He who habitually . . .
consults God's holy Word,
believes His faithful promises,
pleads at His gracious throne for direction,
watches His working hand,
submits to His righteous will, and
gratefully acknowledges His sovereign favors--
will never be allowed to go far wrong, or to go wrong for long; for "He shall direct your steps!"
If we have the tendency to serve our own interests, may we turn to Him, let His Spirit dwell richly in us, transforming us so that we will look to the interests of others.
Blessings,
Mike
Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Christ's Example of Humility
2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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