The Better Way

Our life is meant to lift other people higher. Like Jesus. He laid down His life to lift us to new life. In the same way, we lay down our life for others.

The second we lay low; He gets lifted high.  People see the power of Jesus from new heights…

One time, I forgot a towel at a retreat. A bunkmate that I didn’t know offered me her only towel.  She laid down her right for a towel for me. This act of generosity opened my heart to the love of Christ. Who is this girl that she would give up her own towel so that I could be clean? It was such a weird offering but it touched my heart. It didn’t seem normal. After that retreat I accepted Christ in my heart.

Because she put her rights low, I saw the love of Jesus lifted high.

There is a working-power so immense when one give up the pursuit of themselves for the betterment of others.

Often,  I want to preserve my own life. I do something that I think is really fantastic — maybe, I give to someone in need — and I base my work on their response or, I tell others about the great work I did. I want to be appreciated. This is not going low, but putting myself high.

It can feel very hard, sometimes, to do things just for Jesus… Just because you love Him… Just because you want to please Him… Just because He is your all-in-all… Just because you want to imagine His smile… Just because Jesus is worth all the glory…

It is hard to separate flesh from Spirit sometimes.

Is it hard for you too? Maybe you pray, but you want people to hear. Maybe you talk and hope people will think you have good things to say. Maybe you help out but expect people to appreciate you. Maybe you help your husband with something specific, and yet, he never returns the favor. Maybe you talk to be heard…

The main question is: are you doing these things for man or God?And, is it about gaining credit or is it to the credit of the one who paid it all?

Oh, to bring an offering of great measure can never compare to the great treasure in which Jesus paid.  However, to operate from the secret place — where it is all for His glory — still brings incredible pleasure to His heart. I want to please Him. Don’t you?

I want to bring a pure offering.

Verses to Ponder:

“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Mt. 10:39)

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21)

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Mt. 6:6)

Prayer: 

Father, give us the grace to lay low, so that we can see you lifted high. Give us the power to set down our ways to see yours in motion. Give us the ability to let go of us to gain all of you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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