Oriented Towards Others

Let me ask you a question?  Do you think of others needs before your own?  No, really?  Do you?  

Answer these quick questions

Do you have to be first in line, middle, or are you content being last to the buffet line?

If it's your turn to do laundry but your sister didn't finish hers yesterday are you going to take all her stuff out of the way and do yours?

If there is only one serving of chocolate cake left, do you call dibs?

Do you have to have shotgun when riding in a car?

If you a full shopping basket of stuff will you let someone who only has three items get in line before you?

If your mom is having a really busy week do you bless her by doing some of the chores she normally does without being asked?

Answer honestly!  You are the only one who knows your answers.  Or are you?  People see what you do.  They hear what you say.  What kind of character are you portraying?  

   We are called to serve others.  To think of others better than ourselves.  

Phillipians 2:3 (NIV)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

But do we actually do this? Our culture tells us to take care of ourselves because no one else will.  This is not what God tells us.  Paul, the apostle, tells us in Phillipians 4:19 (NIV)

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ

Jesus.

One way to serve others is to disciple them.  If you had the cure for cancer would you not share that with someone who has cancer?  As a believer in Christ you have the cure for everyone's spiritual health.  So why wouldn't you share that with everyone?  We are called to share the gospel and make disciples.

Matthew 28:19 (NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

   The model has been set before us.  Jesus discipled his apostles.  They in turn discipled others, including Paul.  Paul discipled Timothy, then Timothy was charged to disciple others and so on.  In fact, if these men had ignored what command had been given to them where would we be today?  Would someone had introduced you to Christ?  Take that whole idea and move it into the future.  Who will not hear about Christ if YOU don't share and disciple.  Who after that will not hear?  No, it's not always comfortable to live for Christ but the ultimate prize is worth it. 

Phillipians 3:14  NIV) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.