Oct 5

Grab The Initiative

"Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them."  Matthew 7:12 (The Message)

 What a simple and truly Christ-like way to live this is! If all Christians took this kind of initiative,   what a joy-filled body of believers we would be! Think of the impact we would make on the world. By nature we are very self-centered. Sin is synonymous with self-centeredness. The one thing I note in the gospels is how selfless Jesus was. He sacrificed his energy to heal others. When he was tired and the people came, he laid aside his fatigue to serve. There were times when he knew he needed to refuel and spend time with His Father. He never neglected that, for that is what gave him the strength and determination to continue on in his selfless acts. When no one took the initiative to wash the feet of those who entered the upper room, Jesus took on the role of servant and washed the disciples' feet, even the feet of the one who would betray him just hours later. Jesus indeed was the very image of selflessness. If we would be like him, we must set aside our desires, our wants, and even our needs at times in order to serve others. So take the time today and ask yourself, "What is it that I would like to have someone do for me today?" and then take the initiative and do it for others. It may warm their heart, but it will surely change yours. Take a step towards selflessness today.

 Father, help me to focus on what I can do for others this day and set aside my own wants and needs. Help me to be more like Christ and rid myself of the self-centeredness that rules in my heart. I long to be selfless. Make me more and more like Jesus. Amen