February 21st 2016
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. YOUR ATTITUDE SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THAT OF CHRIST JESUS”. – Philippians 2:3-5.
What does it mean to have an attitude like Jesus? As we experience this season of lent it is a time of reflection on the life and sacrifice of Jesus. Throughout His lifetime Jesus continually looked at all persons with compassion and love. The Creator and Sustainer of the Universe willingly left His home in heaven to come to earth in order to provide salvation to all who believe in Him.
There must have been many times when the demands of others were overwhelming, yet He always considered their needs instead of His own. I ask myself, how often do I, when confronted with the needs of another, with joy, address that need instead of thinking about what I want to do.
Recently I have been volunteering at AGAPE as part of the prayer team. Each week I am humbled by the needs of others, as they share of their material, physical or spiritual needs. Winning their confidence to even share their needs means relating to each one individually. Volunteering there has been the opportunity to interact with persons that I don’t generally have the opportunity to meet (or have I not opened my eyes to them before). I continually need to remind myself that each one is a creation of God, and His love extends to them, as should my love as well.
Having the attitude of Christ reminds me of the acronym for joy.
J – Jesus
O – others
Y- yourself
Our priorities need to follow this order – Jesus first, then others and lastly oneself.
Prayer – “Lord help me to see others as you see them and to willingly give of myself to meet their needs.”
– Saundra Lewis
