Skip to main content

“We must become different in our actions.”

A thought by Craig Groeschel from his book, Dare to Drop the Pose (p. 22). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

I know, I know, we want so much to make a difference but not so much to be different.  But to be different is the way to make a difference and it is what God wants us to do.

Craig says, “If someone does something remotely wrong, I’m quick to point the finger, but if I do something wrong, I’m quick to justify. While I judge someone else by their actions, I judge myself by my intentions. That’s wrong.

“Paul said in Philippians 2:5 that my ‘attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.’ And just what is that attitude? ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others’ (vv. 3–4). Notice that this passage tells us to do nothing out of selfish ambition—nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada.”

And for most of us that would be a major change, that would make a major difference, wouldn’t it?

He goes on, “Yet, most of what I do is motivated by selfish ambition. What am I gonna get out of this? What’s in it for me? Will it be fun? Will I gain something? If not, count me out.

“God raises the bar: I should put the interests of others ahead of my own. Easier said than done. God, change my attitude about others.”

Look at what 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV) says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves?  Do you realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”

Don’t you think a good place to start would be to examine and then change our attitudes toward others?


Yes, yes!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

"Jesus comes in the midst of the torrent."

  A thought by Max Lucado from his book,  You Are Never Alone  (p. 60). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.  (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)   We all have storms in our lives, don't we? Max says, "No one gets through life scot-free. At one point or another the sky will darken, the winds will rage, and we will find ourselves in a modern-day version of the Galilean gusher." John 6:16–18 (NIV) says, "When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough." Max goes on, "The hearts of the followers began to sink as their boat was certain to do. Their skin was soaked, throats hoarse, eyes wide. They searched the sky for a break in the clouds. They gripped the boat for fear of the waves. They screamed their prayers for help. But they heard nothing. "If only Jesu

“When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life.”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life, The) (p. 57). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. To realize that from God’s perspective life is a test goes a long way in determining how you handle your life.   It is important to see that in testing your character is both developed and revealed.   Rick goes on to say that “even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God.” So there is a God purpose behind each situation in your life.   Even the bad ones are there to strengthen you and develop you.   You see those bad situations are really good ones because they are there for your good. I start each day with a reminder that God is good.   Not every situation that is going to come in my day is good but because God is good He will use e

“What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?”

A thought by Rick Warren, (2012-10-23) from his book, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life, The) (p. 35). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Rick posed this question at the end of his chapter, You Are Not an Accident.   In this chapter he deals with the fact that God created you the way you are with a purpose.   In other words you are not an accident.   I am also reading the Apostle John’s view of Jesus and what He said and did while He was here on earth.   In the beginning of Chapter 9 there is a story about a blind man.   And the disciples who were with Him asked Him a good question, “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind? ”   Have you ever asked the same thing about something in you that you don’t like?   Like that characteristic is a curse or something.   Society has set a standard that is not a standard of God.   Remember, He created you and you are not an accident. Jesus did answer the question about the blind