If you haven't already noticed, we are spending our time this week examining how our walk looks. Today we are continuing on that journey to understand how we should appear in relationship to others. As Christians, we are obliged to view our actions in light of how they will affect other Christians.
" Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being." 1 Corinthians 10:24.
We will discover God's will for our life when we consider His activity in the lives of others. This goes contrary to worldly thinking. The world encourages us to live our own life, taking care of our own needs and wants first. Sin promotes independence. It isolates us from others and separates us from those we could help or who could encourage us. But, God designed us for interdependence!
Here's an eye opening thought, did you know that whenever you meet another Christian, you come face to face with Christ? (John13:20). There ought to be a deep respect within us as we encounter other lives guided by the Holy Spirit. We need to stop living as though we have no responsibility toward our Christian brothers or sisters. God holds us accountable for how we relate to them. We should not revel in our "freedom in Christ" to the point that we neglect our responsibility toward others. (Romans 14:15). You know, even the apostle Paul celebrated his freedom in Christ, however, he was still keenly sensitive to what might cause other Christians harm (1 Corinthians 8:13), and he was aware that his sin could not take place in isolation but could effectively bring pain to many others (1 Corinthians 5:6).
As I have journeyed through life with Christ, I have realized that we have a responsibility to live in such a way the we do not hurt others, no matter who or where they might be. We must deny ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to put to death our natural inclination to be self-centered. I realize that for all of us, this can be, and is a hard thing to do, outside of Christ. But, as long as we continue to focus on ourselves, we will be oblivious to the needs of others. We need to ask God to free us from selfishness so that our life is free to bless others. Remember, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend". Proverbs 27:17.
May God richly bless you today!! H Trent!
" Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being." 1 Corinthians 10:24.
We will discover God's will for our life when we consider His activity in the lives of others. This goes contrary to worldly thinking. The world encourages us to live our own life, taking care of our own needs and wants first. Sin promotes independence. It isolates us from others and separates us from those we could help or who could encourage us. But, God designed us for interdependence!
Here's an eye opening thought, did you know that whenever you meet another Christian, you come face to face with Christ? (John13:20). There ought to be a deep respect within us as we encounter other lives guided by the Holy Spirit. We need to stop living as though we have no responsibility toward our Christian brothers or sisters. God holds us accountable for how we relate to them. We should not revel in our "freedom in Christ" to the point that we neglect our responsibility toward others. (Romans 14:15). You know, even the apostle Paul celebrated his freedom in Christ, however, he was still keenly sensitive to what might cause other Christians harm (1 Corinthians 8:13), and he was aware that his sin could not take place in isolation but could effectively bring pain to many others (1 Corinthians 5:6).
As I have journeyed through life with Christ, I have realized that we have a responsibility to live in such a way the we do not hurt others, no matter who or where they might be. We must deny ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to put to death our natural inclination to be self-centered. I realize that for all of us, this can be, and is a hard thing to do, outside of Christ. But, as long as we continue to focus on ourselves, we will be oblivious to the needs of others. We need to ask God to free us from selfishness so that our life is free to bless others. Remember, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend". Proverbs 27:17.
May God richly bless you today!! H Trent!
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