There are times that the Lord presses something on your heart for “such a time as this.” This week it was this verse.
“Help me do nothing from selfishness or conceit…but in humility, count others better than myself…”
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at All….He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, He lived a selfless, obedient life..”
Philippians 2: 2-8
I read my Message translation this week, and I was challenged by the lingering question from my Solo devo;
“In what ways does your admiration for Jesus’ radical behavior inspire you to the behavior described in verses 2-4?”
Selfless and obedient, came to earth to teach us how to live. I embrace this when I venture out of my own selfishness to help someone else for their sake not mine. I recently had the opportunity to “go outside of myself” and serve a group of kids in a group home. These kids have stories that no child should have to tell, but they do. It’s up to those of us who “have much, that much be expected.” If we know Jesus, and we aspire to live the “radical Jesus life” we have to notice. We must consume ourselves with the interests of others. Very counter cultural, but the radical Jesus way…
That’s my mission. Plunging deeper into the radical Jesus way.
This verse means so much to me — it’s such a life-verse for all of us to follow in all of our interactions . . . with our family, friends, neighbors and strangers. Live with humility. Think of others. So simple, yet so difficult to love that radically.
Not just saying it for the sake of it, but this is one of the scriptures that is constantly on my heart, my mind. Imagine the power of God unleashed, if ALL sincere Christians lived this out fully! Now that would be something RADICAL to see!!
Thank you, I enjoyed your WFW…
Blessings!
ps. I SO LOVE this meme… I look forward to my Wednesday’s a lot more now, and seeing everyone’s personality shine through their WFW.
This verse should make all of us stop and examine our motives. Thank you for sharing this today.
Blessings,
Joan
A great reminder to live our lives with humility! As Amanda said if all Christians lived this out, the power of God would be unleashed. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings to you today!
Hi Lori, I left you a comment at Internet Cafe but wanted to leave one here too. Such a lovely graphic with some of my favorite inspirational and challenging Bible verses! Ones I’ve used in the past for my kids and now use in various activities for grandparents and their grandchildren with my own grandkids. You know the activities I mean, probably. The ones that start, “That’s MINE!” or “I GET TO BE FIRST!”
Hmmmm, it’s actually a great way of “defining” my verse for today – Love never fails. I do believe you’ve just helped me with Friday’s post, which I set aside because I was having a hard time with it! Thank you!!!
And have a BLESSED Word-Filled week!
Perfect Lori. Such simple words that are so difficult to obey.
Whoa…makes me think of Michael Card’s “God’s Own Fool”…and oldie but a goodie…
So we follow God’s own Fool
For only the foolish can tell
Believe the unbelievable
Come be a fool as well
Come lose your life for a carpenter’s son
For a madman who died for a dream
Then you’ll have the faith His first followers had
And you’ll feel the weight of the beam
Wow! Very powerful verse and encouragement to think of others first. Love the reminder. Blessings to you!
Abundant blessings now Lori….I’ve been chewing on this morsel since I commented at the Internet Cafe and just had to come here and let you know how much you inspire & impact my life! Seriously… you prepare a “plate” like this one each week and show us how to LIVE RADICALLY for Christ in our daily lives.
Your creativity speaks so loudly God’s Word and then your own words heaps the Message to us more clearly. I’m so glad that you serve in a church that’s ALIVE and God bless those Kids, their group home and a church that plants outside of their own… I decided after pondering on yours, I reluctantly decided that I don’t yet have the “utensils”-the shiney silverware of humility and that’s why I admire it in others. The Mexican people, especially the women, have gracefully shown me this trait… and though I’m learning to live in humble means (no silverware just tortillas(lol), day by day, the interests of others far outweighs mine. So just perhaps, I’ve put aside any conceit or selfishness while I’m here serving but honestly the minute I hit home (USA), I return to a selfish, needy person but more grateful for the simple pleasures & humbled by my experiences from the grace of God… I come to His table, to serve though many times, it is I, who has been served so wonderfully and to each one… I am indebted and to Jesus Christ! He offers us a full plate to serve others… through His WORD, His truth & His grace.
Love you… in His peace,
Peggy
I responded to this at the Cafe, but I love your verse and picture!
Of course I am guilty of being selfish and thinking of my own desires over others.
Wow, what a question…really makes you think!
Love this verse and its application … umm … is it possible to correct the spelling of “Philippians?” (I do it all the time, too!)
Wonderful WFW! Blessings to you!
Love the verse you chose, your story and the pic that ties it all up so nicely together. I’ve always wanted to be radical for Christ, but I don’t think I’ve lived up to it. Still, it’s always something to keep aspiring to. Thanks.
i SO want to be radical for Him!!! make me humble Lord!!! give me a heart to serve YOU more and to put others before myself!
love you, my friend!!!
Cute!
Great reminder in this verse!
[...] to go read some of the wonderful verses at this week's Word-Filled Wednesday. I started with Lori at All You Have To Give. It was GREAT and so was the graphic she designed! I especially loved that the verse she used is [...]
Thank you. I need to keep this constantly in mind before I act or speak!