journey onWord with us

Memorial Day carries significant meaning in the United States. However, the meaning is often minimized by other activities of the day. Most Americans are patriotic and want to honor those who have sacrificed for our country, but family activities and holiday cookouts dominate. We all love to be with family, but there should be a bit of reflection on what this day means for all of us. Both my father and father-in-law were veterans, but far too often I have let the externals of the day displace thoughts about the magnitude of sacrifice that’s been necessary to gain and protect our freedom. You may feel the same, so the following words are meant to help you more thoroughly enjoy the day.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. The holiday is currently observed every year on the last Monday of May. It marks the unofficial start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its unofficial end.
— Wikipedia

We all know the definition of this day, but many stop short of celebrating it truly. The day does also provide a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves of those in our lives who have served but are still living. In recognizing a group of veterans at church yesterday, I was reminded of the pride each man/woman felt in giving a part of themselves to defend our freedom. Later this year we will specifically celebrate Veteran’s Day, but it is never too early (or often) to say thanks.

Another tradition of Memorial Day is the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tomb is a monument to American service members who died without their physical remains identified. Presidents have traditionally participated in this honor. The dedication of the men and women who guard the tomb is astounding and worthy of our attention as we celebrate today. Note some questions and facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier taken from SOCIETY OF THE HONOR GUARD, TOMB of the UNKNOWN SOLDIER.

• Tomb Guards work on a three Relief team rotation with 24-hour shifts. The average Sentinel takes 8 hours to prep their uniform for the next work day.

• The distance a guard “walks” on each pass by the Tomb is exactly 21 steps. This corresponds with the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given to any military or foreign dignitary.

• A Tomb Guard marches 21 steps across a black mat, past the final resting places of the Unknown Soldiers of World War I, World War II, Korea, and the crypt of the Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam War. With a crisp turn, the guard turns 90 degrees (not about-face) to face east for 21 seconds. They turn a sharp 90 degrees again to face north for 21 seconds. A crisp “shoulder-arms” movement places the rifle on the shoulder nearest the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the tomb and any threat. After the moment, the sentinel paces 21 steps north, turns and repeats the process.

• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In fact, there has been a guard on duty in front of the Tomb every minute of every day since 1937.

As you celebrate today, let the facts above remind you of the bravery of our soldiers, known and unknown, living and deceased. They have secured our freedom and we ought never to let the trappings of the holiday rob us of reflecting on the price that’s been paid. The dedication of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier should give us pause to reflect on how solemn and meaningful our honoring and celebrating should be.

There is another tomb we should honor today … it’s an empty one. All Christ-followers are soldiers who were given freedom by the Savior who died for them and then rose again from that Tomb. Can it be said of you and me that our dedication matches that of the guards? Father, may it be so for Your glory, in service to the kingdom.

I avoid mirrors.  It seems like an odd thing to share with “the world,” but it’s absolutely true.  In a department store, I’ll rush past one, being careful to lock my gaze in the opposite direction (how dumb does that sound?!).  I’ll never argue the truth that God doesn’t make mistakes, but in so many ways I grade myself harshly in what I’ve done with what He created.

I have a song the Spirit has repeatedly used in my life to challenge the voice of our great enemy (the one who so viciously and subtly uses my critical nature against me).  The song is, “I Am New” by Jason Gray and it speaks of being made new in Christ.  “I am not who I was, I’m being remade, I am new,” the chorus begins.  Just before that chorus kicks in, at the very end of the third verse, you’ll find the following words…

But the One who is making everything new,
doesn’t see me the way that I do.
He doesn’t see me the way that I do.

Those words attack the core of my critical nature.  Oh, the immeasurable gift it would be to see with His eyes … even one time and just for a few seconds.  To see myself, not as the physical or spiritual reflection in my earthly mirror, but as He sees me!

Too much of my life has been lived in the powerful shadow of my guilt and shame.  So many times I stop short of doing something for Him because I convince myself that I’m not worthy or I’ve failed Him far too many times to be of any use.  How stuck I can get in the mire of my past.

I am reminded of some life-breathing words from a favorite daily devotional (Reflections for Ragamuffins by Brennan Manning).  The specific entry is titled, “Responses to Jesus,” and offered a beautiful reminder of the lineage we have in this life of faith.

These biblical characters, however clean or tawdry their personal histories may have been, were not paralyzed by the past in their present response to Jesus.  Tossing aside self-consciousness, they ran, clung, jumped and raced to him.  Peter denied him and deserted him, but he was not afraid of him.

The full entry is a vivid reminder of the thread of imperfection that runs through the body of Christ.  The biblical characters who Brennan mentions are Mary (sister of Martha), Mary Magdalene and Peter.  They are central characters in God’s love story, and yet they are fully flawed human beings.  The thread of imperfection runs through them all and extends to you and me.  Yet at the same time, they (and we) are perfect examples of the power that exists in the name and redeeming blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

They “were not paralyzed by the past in their present response to Jesus.”  Yes Jesus, I want that to always be true of me.

How are you with mirrors?  And what about your past?  If what I’ve confessed resonates with you, join me.  If even the smallest part of it resonates with you, join me. If you see my confessions in the rear view mirror of your own journey, we’ll join you.  Let’s all run, cling, jump and race to Him together!

A few verses from yesterday’s reading in James landed in a very tender spot in my heart.  Tender, in the sense that it is still healing.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.  Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
James 3:13-15 (ESV)

To speak my heart today, i revisit a post from a little more than a year ago.  For more reasons than a few, i needed to hear these words again.  And in choosing to share them once more, i am trusting the Spirit’s prompt.  Father, may they be profitable for another soul out there who genuinely needs to hear them too.  Please ignore the references to timing in the following words, as i preferred to leave them unedited.

Not long after the sun dawned on Monday, the day took on a very solemn tone.  As my wife greeted me with a good morning kiss, she shared some tragic news received via text shortly after 1:00am.  A young couple were out celebrating Valentine’s Day and were hit head-on by another car.  The husband died instantly and the wife was in critical condition.  The young man was the best friend of someone very near and dear to us.  He was to be his best man.

My heart sank, and silent prayers were offered.  The news came soon that the wife had fallen into the arms of Jesus.  This world’s great loss was heaven’s great gain.  I navigated the remainder of the day with an intensely heavy heart.  This was “wrong” on so many levels.  This is not how things are supposed to be.  Yet the Bible says this is exactly what we should expect.  Our world is not how God created or intended it to be.  Original sin carried a curse, and death in this life is assured (unless Christ comes back first).  It should war against our souls.  It should seem desperately wrong to the true follower of Jesus.  It grieves God, and God’s Spirit within us echoes that grief.

I stepped out the door of my house a little before 8:00am the next morning.  It took only a few steps to be overwhelmed with profoundly contrasting sensory experiences.  As my eyes measured my steps, I could clearly see snow on the ground.  Yet as my cheeks hit the temperate air, something seemed amiss.  As I took a deep breath through my nose, my senses were at full-on war.  I typically pause in such moments.  They are the kind where your eyes announce sour, but your palate experiences sweet.  Or when you expect a bite to be sweet and are shocked by savory.  Something doesn’t compute … and it didn’t that morning.  Every bit of my visual cues and calendar knowledge declared winter, but the cool-ish air and distinct scent shouted spring.  I love moments when two polar opposites or multiple warring senses create an unavoidable and uncomfortable tension.

And then I heard the birds.

I stood beside my car for a minute to watch, breathe and listen.  The sweet sound of the birds seemed to elevate above my other senses, and I found myself lost in their song.  As I buckled in and started off, I began connecting the experience back to the heaviness of my yesterday.  Although it was not of the same intensity or consequence, there was also something “wrong” on Tuesday morning — birds were singing and there was snow on the ground.  How is it that there were birds singing?!

In what seemed like an instant, I associated their song with the bewildering beauty of gratitude in the midst of suffering. The conditions were harsh, yet they went on singing.  It was the natural world declaring the absolute truths of “give thanks in all circumstances” (I Thess. 5:18) and “count it all joy” (James 1:2).  Thanks in the circumstances and joy in the trials of various kinds … not because of them.

I am more often a supporter of the bird who attempts to sing in the midst of their circumstances and trials.  I have not experienced deep loss as often as have others in my life.  It is desperately hard but infinitely easier to be the bird’s friend, than to be the bird.  Father, continue to make me worthy of that sacred opportunity and also make me able to sing when circumstances and trials of various kinds befall my life.  I pray this for those whose lives have been turned upside down by the tragedy of this young couple’s death.  And I also pray that we don’t miss this:

The singing makes people stop (as I did Tuesday morning) and listen.  The song is a powerful testimony of God’s strength and love in carrying us through the circumstances and trials that bring us to our knees.

Sing as a bird in winter.  Sing to the Creator, the Great Healer.

In downtown Miami recently, a driver remained stopped in front of me when the light turned green. I wanted to scream, “Get off your cell phone!” Thankfully, I refrained.  In truth, I (and maybe you) have been guilty of the same offense. Momentary distractions on the highway can create a lifetime of regret. In any endeavor (not just driving), the loss of focus will eventually take its toll. In my recent articles,  we have looked at Hebrews 12:1 , viewing it in the context of a race. Running the race (our journey of following Jesus) well demands focus … and there are distractions at every turn. If we are to run the race marked out for us with perseverance, how do we maintain the right focus?  I believe the key is in the opening words of the very next verse.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…
Hebrews 12:1-2(a)

Fix our eyes on Jesus … Isn’t that what all Christians know to do? After all, it makes logical sense if we just focus on Him, things will work out right. Right? Many years ago people wore bracelets with just the letters WWJD (What Would Jesus Do), or read a book titled the same which taught the principle of asking ourselves what Jesus would do amid the same circumstance. Easy answers for my (and your) noise-filled life never quite seem to work. You may even feel blessed singing the old hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” as much as I do, but having a great feeling in worship as you sing that beloved hymn doesn’t automatically translate to action and genuine focus. It takes more than feelings, bracelets and books (and I do think the bracelets and books can help) to live a life focused on Jesus.

Jesus ran the race that the Father marked out for Him to the fullest. His earthly race was marked with difficultly and hardship, but was also filled with purpose and discipline. If we are to succeed in living out our God-authored purpose, fixing our eyes on Jesus is paramount. Fleshing this out takes a willingness to surrender our will to His. That’s a day-by-day, minute-by-minute, thought-by-thought surrender! May I gently (but also boldly) encourage you to consider going all in with laser-like focus on the Son of the Living God?

In Mark Batterson’s excellent book, ALL IN, he shares a quote that is worth pondering for all serious believers. “Most people in most churches think they are following Jesus, but I’m not so sure. They may think they are following Jesus, but the reality is this: they have invited Jesus to follow them.” A simple way to determine if you and I struggle with inviting Jesus to follow us is to ask ourselves a simple question. Is Jesus the highest priority in my life, or am I just fitting my life with Him into an already crowded life?

If your life has the distractedness of my cell phone driver friend maybe it’s time to honestly consider refocusing. Can there be any better spiritual vision that fixing our eyes on Jesus? When we are effective in looking at all of life through our view of Him, distractedness becomes focus. And the world is changed.

Christ-follower, what is the best way to live? Fix your eyes on Jesus, and simply trust the results to Him!

Marathons are a grueling test. The race course is mapped out. Some runners excel and others just try to endure. In thinking about marathons, there is probably none greater or more popular (with the public and runners alike) than the Boston Marathon. A bit of memory jogging may take you back to the 1980 Marathon won by Rosie Ruiz, who lost her title for cheating. Obviously, the 26.2 mile journey was to be run completely. But as was reported in the Boston Globe, Rosie was not seen on the course until she sneaked in near the end! Just as a marathoner should run the races marked out for them, believers in Christ have been given a course. Our course was marked out by the Father, and He will give us the capacity to endure any and all hard turns and heartbreak hills. A look at Hebrews 12:1 set in the context of a race, gives us our training instructions.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Ancient runners would have easily understood running lean. Excess weight or too much clothing would have slowed them down. On our spiritual marathon, excesses that hinder should be removed. Be honest with yourself and with God! As a continuation of our focus on throwing off “everything that hinders,” there is a critical “and” that follows. The Word continues and completes the throwing off instructions with:

… and the sin that so easily entangles.

There is no mention of a specific sin, and the reference could be sin in general. However, the language could refer to a particular sin … a more personal sin. Maybe specific, particular, and personal to you! Either way, the Word is clear, get rid of it!

Every person reading these words can relate to a personally entangling sin. Picture yourself running a race and suddenly your feet get caught up in something. Even if you don’t fall, your pace is definitely interrupted or slowed. When I (or you) let a particular sin continue to entangle my life, spiritual pace is slowed. Sometimes there is a fall. Sometimes it’s a hard one. Right now you can commit that sin to the forgiving grace of God, and begin running with a renewed pace. From my study, it looks as if one particular sin is referenced, and it appears to be that of unbelief. Doubting God and living by faith contradict each other. Although as pilgrims on a journey we can easily move from faith to doubt, choose to trust His marked-out race for you, His Word, and ultimately, Him.

Hebrews 12:1 also uses the word perseverance.  You have endured some hard turns already, and there will be new turns and more races to be run. Running lean with renewed vigor and perseverance will be a tremendous asset as you continue and someday finish your race. Knowing that the Father has set “the race marked out for us” gives us the confidence in His purpose for us. How will you finish?

Running lean, minus the excess weight of hindrances and sinful entanglements,
equals God being glorified.

And think about the finish line … Heaven!

My heart wants to think like an athlete. My weight hinders my ability for great athletic accomplishments. Just this morning, I rode my bike several miles. It was a good feeling … until I was reminded that some runners move as fast as I biked. Furthermore, I was hindered by heavy clothes (it was cold outside). If I really was serious about athletics, weight and clothing would become a big deal to me. You may have either participated in a strenuous athletic event, or know someone who has. Typically, the clothing worn at these events will be light. Athlete’s look for any advantage gained through weight, clothing, and footwear. Christ-followers need to “run the race” like serious athletes. We are on a spiritual marathon, and running well is vital. Scripture has something to say about the way we should run our race.

Therefore, since we are surrounded
by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders
and the sin that so easily entangles,
and let us run with perseverance the
race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1

Being a person who wishes to finish my race well, I am very aware of struggles that tend to weigh me down. Listening to a podcast this morning reminded me of spiritual baggage that needs to be thrown off. Viewing Hebrews 12:1 thoughtfully gives me (and you) great insight on how to run our race well. Great sermons have been preached on this verse and you have probably heard a few. Take a moment in your own race to meditate on the first part of the verse, and be encouraged.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,”

In context, this is speaking of the great examples of faith in Hebrews chapter eleven (The Hall of Faith chapter). Those referenced didn’t have easy races to run, but they had unshakable faith. Faith worked for them, and faith still works today!

Taking the time to read this article means that you most likely believe God will honor your faith. You also likely want to sharpen some areas by accepting the second part of the verse:

“… let us throw off everything that hinders.”

God in His infinite wisdom chose not to give us a specific item that hinders.  I believe He did that for a purpose. We may struggle in different areas, but we all tend to carry weight that burdens us on the “race marked out for us.”

What weights are hindering your spiritual effectiveness? What items need to be thrown off? Great athletes are an example in the way they compete. Extra weight can be the difference between winning and losing, so even the smallest weight (hindrance) is worth removing. If you are like me, it is easy to bring to mind a weight that is hindering your effectiveness. If the Father prompts your Spirit with a weight, commit right now to “throw it off.” Remember, where He gives us instruction, He gives us capacity to accomplish them through His Spirit. Our race will not conclude until heaven, but the leaner we run, the more He is glorified.

Be open to the Father’s counsel about what is hindering you today, and throw it off!

It has happened to every one of us. There has been a person on your journey that violated your relational trust. It could have happened in a myriad of ways, but it has happened. None of us goes through life without the disappointment of being wounded and let down by someone close to us. You (and I) may have even uttered the words, “I can’t believe they would do that to me … after all I have done for them.” And sadly, we all have also wounded and discouraged individuals that we love deeply. The tough part —- What do we do after being hurt or wounding another?

The apostle Paul wrote a personal letter to Philemon (one of three personal letters included in the New Testament). The other divinely inspired letters were to Timothy and Titus. This single chapter book has always been a favorite of mine. In twenty-five short verses, we find a picture of a strained relationship, an opportunity for healing, and very clear counsel from Paul. Think about the kinds of hurt you have felt, and then consider how you would accept counsel from the wisest, most godly person you know to restore the relationship. Your first internal responses may be wrought with emotional thoughts like, “you don’t know what you’re asking,” or, “it is none of your business.” But in your heart of hearts, you know that healing is the best remedy.

Philemon was a good man. Philemon 1:4-5 gives a picture of Paul’s feelings toward him.

I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people.

Philemon was living out his faith well, but there was something going on that needed to be addressed. Even the most godly people are confronted with pain and have decisions to make. Philemon was a slave owner. His slave Onesimus stole from Philemon and ran away to Rome. In God’s grace he met Paul and was converted to Christianity. Look at Paul’s counsel to Philemon in verses 1:10-12.

I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.

I wonder if there was any skepticism in Philemon’s mind about Paul’s directives. I certainly would have had some questions. Reading further in the chapter gives even more details about Paul’s desire for Onesimus to go back. The apostle’s counsel was for the benefit of Onesimus, but it was also for the benefit of Philemon. Look at the words of verses 15-16.

It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

Twenty centuries later, this story is still very relevant. Relational difficulties fill the landscape for all of us, even those who are fully devoted followers of Christ. There was a figurative wall between Philemon and Onesimus that needed to be broken down. Onesimus was now a Christ-follower, and in Paul’s wisdom, he knew healing was needed. Philemon had a decision to make … and so do we.  My goal is not to tell you how to heal your hurts (that would be insensitive, at best), but to ask a simple question.

What is the first step to heal the hurt you have experienced or caused?

Pray daily for God’s guidance and the Great Counselor will direct you.

An “open soul that has space for the world to enter and find Jesus.”  I so firmly believe that is what God desires for us … a magna animi.  We are bombarded every day with the cares and troubles of a badly broken world; bombarded with the dull aches of “out there” sort of burdens, and the sharp pains of personal loss, temptation and trouble.  Don’t allow the world’s RSVP of pain and sorrow to create a fortress around your heart and life.  Live dangerously open my brothers and sisters.  When the clouds or enemies gather, run to the Fortress who will never fail you.  Then emerge after the storms or fighting with a heart and soul that is open for the wounded world around you “to enter and find Jesus.”

During this past week, I have been challenged about prayer and praying for others. Reading Scripture written by the Apostle Paul challenges me with his consistency in prayer. I’m no Paul, and I certainly don’t understand everything about prayer, but I know it works. His passion reminds me to simply pray, then trust God for the results.

It has been seventeen years since our daughter headed off to college and her parents were depressed by the thought of heading into unknown territory.  She made the decision to attend the University of Toledo a bit late, and was told that she would not be able to get into Park dormitory.  Those were not the words her protective father wanted to hear and I set out to do something about it. Oh, not in the normal obsessive parent way.  No, I told our daughter that we would pray her into that dorm.

Sometimes I look back at brash statements and wonder if I was filled with faith or foolishness.  In this particular scenario, I was determined to see God work and use it as an example in our family of answered prayer My boldness was setting me up if I was wrong, but God answered quickly and my daughter started the year in Park dormitory.  I wish it could be said of me that all my prayer requests are laced with that much boldness and faith.

Another passage on prayer (this one from the Old Testament book of Ezra) also challenges me greatly.  Have you ever exhibited such confidence in God that your trust carried risk, such as God not coming through for you?  In that moment, you trusted Him for results that only He could accomplish, but what if He didn’t?  Would you be embarrassed?  Or worse yet, would onlookers doubt the sufficiency of your Father?   Make no mistake; God may not always come through in the manner we would expect, but He always does what is best for His children.  Now consider with me the human risk associated with Ezra’s trust in Ezra 8:21-23…

And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled.  For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.”  So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.

Ezra was leading a second group of exiles back to Jerusalem.  He had let the king know that God’s hand of protection was on all who worshiped Him, but this was a dangerous journey. From my study, I believe Ezra was leading quite a large group of people.  He was ashamed to ask for protection — and there, humanly speaking, was the risk. But His faith was born in truth — God is a protector of those who worship Him. When they fasted and prayed, God heard their prayer. Was there ever any doubt?!

The depth of prayer, God’s sovereignty, and how He chooses to honor faith is beyond my comprehension.  However, there is a truth I have learned over the course of my life.  God answers prayer, and you and I can depend on Him every day … for everything.  God has chosen to let men like Paul and Ezra give us great words about praying. The key for all Christ-followers is to let prayer become a vital part of our daily routine, and then trust our God for the results.

Was I silly to tell my daughter she would get into a particular dormitory? That might be someone’s opinion.  But I was convinced then, as I am now, that God can do what I can’t.  And when He does, He gets the glory.  Ezra was concerned about God’s reputation — and God came through!  My concern is that 21st century Christ-followers risk so little that we never put God’s reputation to the test.

Is there anything confronting you right now worthy of fasting and earnest prayer?

Without question, most Christ-followers understand the need to focus on others and refuse to live with a self-centered ideology. The problem for every Christ-follower is that understanding is simple, but applying the principle of “others first” is an altogether different story. Have you ever stepped in front of someone at a grocery store, cut someone off on the highway, interrupted a spouse or friend as they were speaking (as though your words were more important) or spoke about a work associate in a way that reflected poorly on that person, all the while seeking to make yourself look good? We all have lived with “others first” logic while practicing “me first” living. Self-centeredness is common to us all, and unless there is an intentional focus on others, we live below God’s design.

Living an “others first” life is not about perfection, but progression! We will all stumble, but our life goals need to be wrapped around the will of God. Every true believer is an ambassador for Christ, and a “me first” mindset hinders our ambassadorship. Last week while reading the first two chapters of Philippians, I was struck several times with an other-centered focus.

I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.  Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.
Philippians 1:23-25 (NLT)

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT)

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8 (NLT)

The apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians, and there is no doubting the care he had for the believers there. Writing under the inspiration of God, he was promoting and also living an “others first” ideology. Paul also spoke of Christ and how He took on the form of man and died on a cross for our salvation. That is the ultimate in “others first” living. In Philippians chapter two, I was struck by the lives of Timothy and Epaphroditus who obviously exhibited a selfless lifestyle. In reading these two short chapters, I was challenged by the Word, the life of Jesus, Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus to be others-centered. It is counterintuitive to live this way. Our flesh cries out for the world to revolve around our needs, while the will of God challenges us to look beyond ourselves to the needs of others.

One of my favorite quotes is from Richard Swenson. I have written about it previously, and will always remember the words. It helps ground me in the battle with me-centered living.  

“The focus of Christ’s ministry was always the person standing in front of him.”

When I take the time to minister to the person in front of me (and not only on my agenda), life is different, people are impacted, and the will of God gets done.

So what difference do these words make? Absolutely none, unless we take the challenge to intentionally live them. Without being too forward, may I ask you to consider the same question I myself need to answer? “Who are the others in my life that are being impacted meaningfully?” None of us can fix yesterday (so don’t look back), but there are people all around us who need what we have to offer. God’s will for all Christ-followers involves others! Will you do His will?