Thursday, December 3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015

Daniel 11:2–35

1 John 3:7–24

Psalm 122:1–9

Proverbs 29:1

 

 

“This is how we know what love is:  Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be that person?  Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:16–18)

 

 

In today’s reading, John exhorts us to follow Christ’s example of humble self-sacrifice in laying down our lives for our brothers and sisters.  If we have effectively received the love of God, its presence will compel us to demonstrate love for others “with actions and in truth.”  As the moon reflects the sun’s bright light, we will reflect the light of Christ through living for Him.

 

The lesson here has simple meaning but profound implications.  What does it mean to go beyond ourselves and our very present needs and desires?  How may we allocate scarce resources away from our own upkeep, especially when finances are tight?

 

Just as the Christ-follower has trusted the Lord Jesus for salvation, he or she must also entrust time, talent, and energy for His service.  Sometimes, our service will prove rewarding and even invigorating, for it represents the purpose for which we were created.  Other times, however, we will face rejection and strong opposition from the prowling Evil One.  We will be tempted to abandon a servant’s attitude because the rewards seem distant, and the benefits of inward focus much clearer.

 

In Galatians 6:7–10, Paul provides this wisdom on staying the course of others-mindedness:  “Do not be deceived:  God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  It reminds me of Hebrews 12:2, where we read that, “for the joy set before him, [Jesus] endured the cross, scorning its shame… ”

 

Over the past several weeks, I have been reflecting on the idea of godliness as its own reward.  Even though others may not care or may even scoff, we may rest content in committing ourselves fully to God’s purposes.  There is never shame for the righteous person, but rather God’s rich welcome.

 

This godliness does not mean perfection, however.  Rather, it means a commitment and prioritization of His Kingdom over our kingdom, the eternal over the temporal.  For each of us, the implementation will look different, but the start lies in putting God first, others next, and ourselves third.  We love our neighbors as we would like them to love us:  with a godly heart.

 

It has been really encouraging to see Grace Church’s collective heart for others in 2015.  Praise God for His faithfulness to us and the opportunity to join Him in blessing others.  May He strengthen us through the Holy Spirit so that we may continue faithfully into 2016!

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us a great example of self-sacrificing love.  We will never understand the depth of Your humility and Your unwavering devotion to the Father’s will.  Send Your Spirit so that we may exemplify the same commitment.  Create in us an undivided heart and a pure spirit.  Give us courage to press on when it becomes difficult to keep loving.  Refill our reserves so that we may be a blessing during this Advent season.  To You be all praise, honor, and glory forever!  Amen.

 

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