In our humanistic society, it is impossible not to keep
our focus on our self. We think about #1, sometimes to the exclusion of those
whom we should cherish more than our own self.
We forget that Christ laid down His life for us and calls
us to lay down our life for others. It is easier for most women to lay down our
life, because our genes tend to be hardwired with the codependent nature.
However, there are also men in our society that have this
emotional, compassionate nature that makes it easier for them to put others
above their self.
The issue here is more about Christ increasing within our
spirit and soul as our focus on our self decreases (John 3:30). We consider
others as better than our self (Philippians 2:3-4).
This does not mean that we neglect our self - we are
people too and we can minister to our needs in the same way that we care for
everyone else. In fact, this habit keeps us healthy and more able to help
others (Mark 12:31).
Yet, as our flesh decreases, we are new creatures in true
righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:23-24). We are offspring of our holy
God and His divine nature infuses every part of our body, spirit and soul -
thoughts, choices and feelings (Acts 17:28-29).
In eternity,
Christ will even transform our body to mirror His glorious, immortal one
(Philippians 3:21). God's Spirit
completely sanctifies us, conforming us to the image and likeness of Christ, God's
first born Son (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Prayer:
Father God, You adopted us as individual members of Your
Body, and placed Jesus is our head (1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:15). Our body is
Your temple and as the corporate Body of Christ, we are one with Your Spirit (1
Corinthians 3:16, 6:17). The world recognizes that You sent us on their behalf,
because our life is a testimony of You to them (John 17:21-23).
Jesus gives us
the glory, which You gave to Him, so that we can be one with Him, You and with
one another (John 17:22). Help us to be patient and diligent as You slowly
mature our spiritual growth until we share in the divine nature of Christ
(Ephesians 4:13).
Thought for the Day:
We are crucified
with Christ, and therefore, we live in this world for the glory of Christ; yet,
it is not we who live, but Christ who lives in us and through us. - Philippians
1:21; Galatians 2:20
