Not About Me

7-26-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10 I often forget that it’s not about me. Humility reminds me that it’s Him first, them, and then me. I struggle with keeping myself off the throne of my life. Only one King can reign over a surrendered soul and that’s my Savior Jesus. Yet, daily, my old life seeks to dethrone the Lord with its selfish whims and spiritual disengagement. Fortunately, by faith through grace, I am able to resist the flesh’s foolish coup to overtake Christ. Love wins, only when we use it as our spiritual strategy of choice. Devotion to one another in love is irresistible to the recipient and extremely fulfilling to the dispenser of grace. Sometimes it seems easier to be devoted to the Lord than to another human being. Yet, devotion to each other need not be fickled when unconditional love is the motivation. Devotion loves deeply. Indeed, our unselfish devotion is the fruit of purity. “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 What does it mean to honor another above yourself? How do you honor someone who is not honorable? The gift of honor is not based on whether someone is deserving or not—it is based on whether they are breathing or not. So, as children we honor our parents by involving them in our lives. As parents, we honor our children by being available to aid them. As team members at work, we honor each other by helping one another succeed. You extend honor when you listen with empathy and show compassion. You are honorable when you value a relationship over money. Honor wins when you respond in quiet humility, not loud hostility. It is honorable not to lower yourself to the dishonorable behavior of others, but to respond with direct and respectful conversation. You represent Jesus well, when you honor both those who know Him and those who don’t. Above all else, let your honor of others flow from your honor of the Lord. You honor Him best by becoming a living sacrifice of love and obedience to His expectations. Honor Him with your corporate worship at church and your individual service in Jesus' name. Honor Him by giving generously to the poor and needy. Honor Him with your body by remaining pure. Mostly, honor Him by being with Him to love and be loved. You know it’s not about you when you gain joy and define JOY by: Jesus—Others—You. “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: Dear Lord, show me how to make my life about first honoring You and others. Related Readings: Psalm 133:1; Proverbs 14:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1