In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35
If you spend your time focusing on how to give and serve, you’ll be less concerned about what you have or need.
Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.
Acts 16:24,33
Consider Paul and Silas’ perspective. The same man who had beat them earlier in the day, was now washing their wounds. If God is doing a work in and through someone around you, follow their example and put your pride, intimidation and fear aside; make room for God to do the work He has intended.
…for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
John 12:43
Let us live such that these words are never said about us.
I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
Psalm 40:8
Let us maintain this kind of attitude and posture.
May You increase my greatness And turn to comfort me.
Psalm 71:21
Having your greatness increased doesn’t mean things are going to be easy; rather, more that we need God’s grace, mercy and comfort more than ever. Steward your calling well and lean into God each step of the way.
“Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28b,29-31
Adjust your priorities accordingly.
“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.”
Matthew 23:13
Let us be cognizant of this stern reminder. Simply love God, love each other and humbly walk out your salvation. Don’t throw your religion, theology and personal revelation in people’s faces, lest you be unable to live up to it.
Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!
Ezekiel 18:31a
Let us constantly endeavor toward a new heart and a new spirit, refreshed by God’s mercy and forgiveness.
For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
Luke 9:25
Consider the life, the values and the character that your Maker has woven into the fabric of who you are. Adhere to your true north and don’t be distracted by what doesn’t matter.
But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities.But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Luke 5:15,16
Most of us love public attention, praise and affirmation. As a society we tend to celebrate it – the more people who love you, the more legitimate you are. Let us learn from Jesus’ posture and remember that though the crowds may press in on us, it’s vital that we withdraw and pray. Being in the face of God is necessary if we want to make a different in the lives of people.