Good morning. We live in a culture where altruism is a major character trait in our culture. Some of that comes from Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you” (NASB). We call this “The Golden Rule” and most people repeat this way: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” We are taught and raised to be selfless, serving and significant in making the lives of others better. The Apostle Paul may have taken Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12 and built on them with this in Romans 12:10-11:
“Love each other truly like brothers and sisters. Be really happy to respect other Christians. (11) Do not be lazy, but always work hard. Serve the Lord well because you enjoy it” (ESY).
“The Golden Rule” words spoken by Jesus are known by Christian and non-Christian alike. There are some words spoken by an American on January 20, 1961 by soon-to-be President Kennedy at his inauguration. “And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” He was a politician trying to inspire his country, but these inaugural words have some spiritual parallels.
Too often we expend our spiritual energy trying to convince God to do what we want. We ask for a promotion or a bigger house or a more cooperative spouse. But if we follow Paul’s admonition to be devoted to other people, and honor them above ourselves, and serve the Lord with the best of our efforts, our prayers change. We begin to ask God how we can be a brighter light for Him in our workplace. We ask Him to help our home become a Kingdom outpost in our neighborhood. We ask for wisdom to be a better spouse. Instead of asking God to do something for us, let’s ask Him for specific steps that we can take to serve Him better.
I read this story that appeared in the news in 2004:
“On a flight from Atlanta to Chicago in July 2004, nine U.S. soldiers—home from Iraq on a two-week leave—were among the passengers. Before one of the soldiers boarded, a passenger traded his first class ticket for the soldier's coach ticket. As the plane was boarding, other passengers asked to trade their first class seats for the coach seats occupied by the remaining soldiers.
Devilla Evans, a flight attendant on the American Airlines flight, said "it was a privilege to be flying with those two groups of unselfish people: those who would put their lives on the line to protect their fellow citizens' freedom, and those who were not ashamed to say thank you” (Source: headlines.agapepress.org, 7-21-04).
This is commendable what these passengers did for these nine soldiers on leave for 2 weeks. We are not told anything about the passengers who did this – we don’t know if any of them had been in the military in the past themselves or were Christians or if they just wanted recognition or felt pressure to do it. Either way, they did it for 9 soldiers they did not know. One of the lessons we can learn from Romans 12:10-12 and his story above is that we should ask not what God and His people can do for us, but ask Him what we can do for Him and His people. It’s a shift in perspective. Loving people, especially those we deem unlovable, is a challenge. Apologist, author, and speaker Josh McDowell writes this for Focus On The Family:
“Tolerance says, "You must approve of what I do." Love responds, "I must do something harder: I will love you, even when your behavior offends me." Tolerance says, "You must agree with me." Love responds, "I must do something harder: I will tell you the truth, because I am convinced 'the truth will set you free.'"
Tolerance says, "You must allow me to have my way." Love responds, "I must do something harder: I will plead with you to follow the right way, because I believe you are worth the risk." Tolerance seeks to be inoffensive; love takes risks. Tolerance glorifies division; love seeks unity. Tolerance costs nothing; love costs everything” (Source: Josh McDowell, Focus on the Family Magazine, (August 1999).
Questions To Consider
Scripture To Meditate On: Philippians 2:3, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves” (NLT).
Prayer To Pray: “Heavenly Father, forgive me for frequently asking something for myself and not asking what I could do for You. Please grant me the discernment to know what You need and the spiritual zeal to serve You and Your people fervently—for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
I love you Southside!--Pastor Kelly