Others
I recall my junior high shop teacher asking me how many nails I was going to put in the roof of my doghouse project. I am beginning to feel that way about my work in my garden space. I’m not sure how much effort is prudent to get things in shape for this time of the year in a small garden spot. But it gives me a sense of accomplishment and is a good way to begin my day.
I spent a painful two hours on line and on the phone making reservations for our September trip to Orlando, Florida. In the end we were finally able to get credit for air miles and we will at least get there and leave on the days we need to. I’ve never had this problem before and found out that after my hiatus in the hospital that Frontier now charges for a seat, carry on luggage, drinks and talking to someone to assist with your reservations. I think I will go ahead and fly Southwest in the future.
My friend Raimund Ruf was in Fort Collins supervising a roofing job and came by to check out the roof on our house. It looks like the storm damage from last June stayed far enough north to miss us. It was still good to see Raimund and visit for a while and to take my first selfee. In our guestbook he wrote, “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a blessing.” That’s a good reminder.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” Galatians 5:13-15
When I read these verses I am reminded of a past sermons series at Timberline Church entitled, “Others.” In our own nature we are self-centered. It can be observed in some of the earliest stages of toddlerhood and it continues to be at the core of our being throughout life. We tend to think of ourselves first. How will this benefit me? Is this something to my liking? Why don’t you do it my way? Our adult self control will often keep these expressions as thoughts beneath the surface, but they are still there.
The gospel is the “others-centered” plan of God. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man came not be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for others.” On the cross Jesus in His pain and unjust suffering prayed, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Paul the Apostle asserts that we have freedom in Christ from the dictates of the law, but this should not allow us to focus on ourselves but on others. We read, “through love serve one another” “love your neighbor as yourself” “watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”
I remember when I was in the State Legislature, my first Minority Leader told us in-coming freshmen Representatives to remember that serving in the legislature is a “team sport.” He said you will need to support and rely on each other. That is certainly true of the followers of Christ.
We are instructed to “bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2) To “pray for one another” (James 5:13) To “encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) To “encourage one another as long as it is called today…” (Hebrews 3:13)
I think you get the idea. Perhaps the greatest admonition is Jesus words, “by this shall all me know that you are my disciples if you have love, one for another.” (John `3:35) Anyone left to their own devices will reveal self-centeredness. It takes God’s Spirit to help us to live the “others-centered” life.