Need a little refreshing today? DO THIS

If you really believe what you say you believe about Jesus, then live it like this; and when you do, you’ll find yourself refreshed—

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”. (Phil 2:1-4)

Paul seems to be saying, if you have benefited by the encouragement, comfort, love, and nearness of Christ, then live as Christ would have you live—

Be of one mind.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit.
In humility, count others as more significant than yourselves, and look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

And with that, we need to pause and check our hearts. We aren’t to worry about the motives of others (remember Phil 1:15-18),but we do need to take a hard look at our own.

Let’s prayerfully ask the Lord to examine our hearts. Let’s ask Him to show us any wicked way in us and lead us in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:24).

Let’s remember it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance (Rom 2:4) and His better way.

Let’s truly purpose in our hearts, to count others as more significant than ourselves, and look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phil 2:4).

I know. I feel it. I fight it, too! It’s super easy to think about ourselves. It’s our default and has been since we opened our hungry mouths as babies crying to be fed.

We are in-tune with how we feel, what we want, and what we think, 24/7.

It takes some real effort to be others-focused. For most of us, it doesn’t come naturally.

But a great way to “jump-start” this in our hearts is to daily ask the Lord to help us see the needs of others.

Let’s pay attention when someone “just pops into our minds”. Let’s reach out and check on them. Let’s actively seek to carry their burdens.

Let’s ask the Lord, to help us see those around us in need and seek to help them.

And you know what’s really cool? When we seek to refresh others, we will find God refreshes us. Seriously, I’ve seen Him do this in my life, and He tells us He will do this in Proverbs 11:25. (Go see for yourself!)

So, if you need a little refreshing today, skip the Starbucks line and go love your neighbor! You’ll love the way it makes you feel!

Seriously, try it today! And if you do, will you come back and comment about how this impacted you as a testimony?

Prayers greatly appreciated as I write and study. ❤️