Are you sure it's not about me?

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." - John Donne


Human beings are selfish by nature. Quite frankly, the average person is more likely to think of their own interests before they think of the interests of others. This assumption is only compounded by the social construct in America. We are raised to fend for ourselves. Sometimes, this large effort of "success" is encouraged to be gained at the expense of others. We are born demanding that the world, especially our inner circle (family, friends, community) revolve around us. When I was born in 1983 it became the Christine show. You can repeat that sentence and put your name in the blank. If we aren't careful, we will never turn the channel. As children of God, we must come to a place in our walk with Christ where we realize that our lives are not about us but about the fulfillment of God's plan.

NOPE, IT'S REALLY NOT ABOUT YOU.

The greatest example of selfless love is demonstrated by God through the birth, death, and resurrection of  His son, Jesus Christ. He gave his life so that we may have life and life more abundantly. In John 10:10 Jesus says, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Christ died for people he never physically knew or met. How many of us can say that for ourselves. In this current day, many of us are so busy climbing the corporate ladder that we rarely take time out to look below us to lend a hand to the individuals who weren't given an opportunity to touch the ladder. While some of us are overwhelmed with the issues that life has presented that we don't realize that our joy is wrapped up in our ability to care for someone else.

Where are acts of service on your radar? When was the last time that you took a moment to inconvenience yourself to help your neighbor or a stranger on the street who was in need? My husband consistently demonstrates his heart to serve others. One time in particular, we were leaving bible study and he seen this woman who had several bags that she could not carry. So, he picked up her remaining bags and together we walked several yards out of our way to help her to her apartment. Then, my husband, as he usually does, invited her to bible study. This was not some huge heroic event. It was simple kindness that build human connection and strengthens spiritual bonds.

 From having a ten minute conversation with her we found out that she attended a local church and was interested in coming to bible study. It is wonderful how God provides strength for our weaknesses. This is a weak area of mine. I am a very shy person. I have always been someone that has extended kindness to others, even people I don't know. There have been several times where I missed the chance to witness due to fear of rejection. It is never fun being turned away or rejected. What is wonderful is that God paired me with a man who is one of the boldest people I have ever met. His example inspires me daily. In this I am learning to walk through those doors of opportunity to not just show kindness but use it as an avenue to witness.

FIVE (5) to TEN (10) SECONDS OF BOLDNESS

How can God ever use you when you do no provide Him an opportunity to do so. Throughout the course of our days, we have so many opportunities to extend kindness to people. The sad part is that we seem to avoid walking through those doors. It is in our acts of kindness that our witness stands center stages. In a world filled with selfishness and personal gain, kind acts of service stand out and begs the question of who and how. Who are you and how did you get that way? When they ask you, you can tell them about the power of Jesus Christ in your life. The greatest thing you can ever do is give your life and time for someone else. John 15:13 reads, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends."

 Recently, I have heard the following statement come up several times. It is said that you only need about 5 to 10 seconds of extreme boldness in order to cause a strong ripple effect of change. Ask God for that boldness to not just live an average existence but to live beyond yourself. Live bigger, broader, and better. Get outside of your problems and issues and embrace the reality that conquering your problems can help someone else defeat their own. This life is not made up of you and you alone. There is a whole world out there that God wants you to infiltrate with the power of his spirit. Mark 16:15-16 reads, "And then he told them, ; 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned."

We are so blessed of God. He has given us everything we need to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ. All you need to do is trust Him. No, it is not about you. It is about God's kingdom. When you seek God first, and love your neighbor, everything that you desire will be granted unto you. The greatest joy of your life is not going to come in the form that you think it will. You never know what God will do when you get outside of yourself and lend your hand to someone else.

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