Be Selfless
How often do you think about others throughout your day? With pages of to-do lists in our busy days, how many of the things on our list are for others? I have a bad habit of focusing too much on my task at hand. When I have something to do and I am in the middle of doing that task, I really pay no attention to anything else around me. I stay completely focused. Yes, this is a great trait for work or when I'm spending my alone time with God. But what about when I'm at the grocery store or out shopping… God may have someone in my path that day with a need and I'm too focused on my list of items to grab that I don't see the woman at the register with a declined credit card, or the hungry homeless man outside of the store that may need some food. I don’t want to miss my chance to entertain an angel!
There are needs all around the world and many are right in front of us. Of course we all have our own needs, but when we put others first, God will take care of us. When we take time to get ourselves off of our mind, God will give us a heart of compassion for those around us that need something we can offer. Ministry begins with a single act of kindness. One simple smile, cup of coffee, or spending an extra $10 for a hot meal for someone in the cold, is exactly what the body of Christ should look like. Showing love to those whom our flesh may say don't deserve it. Blessing someone who has wronged you, praying for those that defame you. God's ways are not our ways and they are opposite of what the world would do. When the world says take, God says give; when the world says spit in their face, God says kiss their cheek; when the world says to speak ill of someone or curse them for their faults, God says to bless them. We must come to a place where our first reaction is from our spirit and not our flesh. Your spirit will tell you not to eat so much cake but your flesh will beg for more.
What are you doing TODAY that will bless someone else? Take time to write down the names of those you know that could use some encouragement. Be intentional in making sure you show the love of Christ every single day, it will make the devil regret ever messing with you!
Hebrews 13:2 (AMPC) Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it
Philippians 2:3-4 (AMP) Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
