I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven, far, far above any other king or ruler or dictator or leader. Yes, his honor is far more glorious than that of anyone else either in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under his feet and made him the supreme Head of the Church…
~ Ephesians 1:19-21 LB
Today’s Bible Reading: Acts 2
One of my very favorite books is It’s Not About Me by Max Lucado. You know why? Because I need to be reminded (often) that IT’S NOT ABOUT ME! Ben talked a bit about this during weekend services– he used the phrase “What we have to lose to win”. Ben continued to share that this means sometimes we sacrifice our personal comfort, our priorities, our preferences… for what Jesus would want, to grow spiritually and to follow Him with nothing holding us back!
In some senses this truth brings some relief. If I am no longer the center of my world, I don’t feel the weight of that on my shoulders. But here’s the challenge: the transition from self-centered to Christ-centered can be hard. If Jesus is the center of all I am and all I do, everything changes. No longer do I live to serve me or what I deem important; I live to serve Him. I work not to see my will be done, but His will be done. I can’t demand my way, but I seek His way. My goal isn’t for my pleasure, but His glory and honor. My first thought changes from, “What do I want?” to “What is God doing and how can I get in step with it?”
Prayer: God thank you that world doesn’t revolve around me… but it does around You. Show me how I can live out today to honor You and put You first in all I do. Show me how to lose myself so I can gain YOU! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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