SCRIPTURE:
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
Romans 15:1-2
OBSERVATION:
The strength that the Lord gives us is not meant for us to keep all for ourselves. Our strength is meant to support and build others up around us.
APPLICATION:
There was a point in my life where I was fully focused on the mission of my ministry. Everything within me was driven to do what the Lord was calling me to do, and I couldn’t understand why people around me didn’t think the same way. I was overzealous and it was causing friction amongst those I served with.
I’ll never forget what my Pastoral Overseer at the time said when I began complaining about their commitment. He said:
“You need to remember that you’re trying to sprint, while the people around you can barely crawl.”
My job wasn’t to drag people across the finish line, it was to help them the best that I could, so we could cross it together. I had to meet them right where they were at, instead of trying to force them to where I thought they should be.
I had to make less about me and more about Jesus and those around me. As the Apostle Paul once said:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have made it all about me. Thank You Lord for the gifts You have given me. May I use that which You have given me, in service to those around me, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
