Have you recently been asked to do something you didn’t think you had time to do? Or for that matter, you even wanted to do it?
We all find ourselves in seasons of self-centeredness, entitlement or asking the question, what do you do for me?
Self-centeredness (or narcissism) begins very early in life. Perhaps it is the first negative childhood characteristic that surfaces and is an ongoing battle women struggle with as they try to meet the needs of so many.
Sometimes it is just too much to handle and you feel like shutting down.
Yes, it is necessary to experience some down time, re-energize yourself and take that much-needed retreat…that’s not what I am talking about…I am talking about our daily attitude.
Recently, reading through 1 John, I was convicted by 1 John 3:16-18 – We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren… Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
The chance that we are asked to die for someone is slim, but we may be asked to lay down our desires, decisions, and even our dreams. What is your attitude then?
I am not going to sugar coat it. It is hard and sometimes we need to have an attitude adjustment.
From Rick Warren’s book, Purpose Driven life, his first point to ponder is: It’s not about me. He goes on to say, “You were made by God and for God-and until you understand that, life will never make sense.”
I remember the first time I read through Warren’s book, I kept saying, Ouch, Ouch, and Ouch; over and over again. These things are hard to hear at times, but they need to be said.
What does it look like to lay down our desires, decisions, and even our dreams?
It is different for each of us. It could be:
- A kind act toward your husband when you wanted to do something else
- Tending to a sick child when you had plans
- Waiting for God to take the first step toward the Calling you felt years earlier
- Holding onto a dream that was birthed in you; then life happened
- Write your answer _________________________________
In spite of what the world tell us and social media “selfies” promote, we need to remind ourselves that life is more about living fully for God, not yourself. Living selflessly brings great reward in the end.
Everything got started in Him and finds it’s purpose in Him. Colossians 1:16b (MSG)
Please know, I have not conquered this or pretend to even scratch the surface, but it is something to strive for in my daily dealing with others, the process of decision making and searching God’s plans.
When you and I can allow God’s love to be poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5), we then can begin to love others as Christ sees and loves them.
A question I have continually asked myself recently is, Have I been captured by the extent and depth of Jesus’s love?
If the answer is, yes, then laying down our lives for others will become a little more palatable.
Journeying with Him,
Jessie