Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 19, 2015
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27
There is a larger context to life than just living for self. A self-focused life is chronically frustrated and unable to reach its full potential. Its demanding demur marginalizes wise counsel and only attracts insecure individuals. However, those who pray for what’s best for the whole, become whole. Everyone is honored in an environment where individual contributions are valued. “We not me” is the vocabulary of those who honor each other.
Every disciple is stronger when they are connected to other Christ followers. Isolation contributes to spiritual impotence, but community gives spiritual life. Encouragement and accountability are exalted in relationships that serve what’s best for the group. A leader who serves the team, sees other team members serve well. A man who serves his family, experiences a family that serves each other. “We overcomes me” with unselfish service.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).
Our spiritual birth engrafted us as a member of Christ’s body. We cannot detach an appendage of the Lord’s, any more than a member of our physical body can be disassociated from the other body parts. So, we pray for those around us who know Christ and we get to know each other. Oh the joy of being known and knowing others who love Him! Life that is truly life is lived in the margins with those submitted to our Savior Jesus.
Are you motivated first by “He”, second by “we” and lastly by “me”? If so, you are set up for relational fulfillment. The sequence for successful thinking is Him, them and you. “Me” will try to squeeze in and monopolize relationships, cannibalize conversations and hijack heaven’s agenda. Thus, by God’s grace, put to death the “me monster” and replace it with love for the Lord and people. “We not me” is the motto of mature Jesus followers.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8).
Prayer: Lord, whose needs can I put ahead of my own through my prayers and service?
Related Readings: Romans 12:10-16; 14:13; 15:7; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Galatians 5:13
Taken from Boyd’s newest devotional book Two Minutes in the Bible for Men. Pre-Order now!
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision. Learn how to help.
Our free Apple app Our free Android app
© 2015 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Comments are closed.
I truly enjoy your daily devotionals and they give me the strength and guidance I need every day to keep going. The only thing I would ask of you for other subscribers and myself is to use a little simpler words. I am a Dr. and even I find some of the words hard to understand. Don’t think the average person has as big a vocabulary as you do. Try using parables as Jesus did, it speaks a million words when it’s simple. Thank you for your motivation and loving words that inspire me daily.
Dear Mike,
Thank you for taking the time to reach out to us with your suggestion. Please know that we appreciate and take seriously all comments and suggestions our Wisdom Hunter’s family give to us. I will pass this along to Boyd and the rest of the Wisdom Hunter’s staff.
We are thankful you enjoy the daily devotionals and hope you continue to be blessed by them.
We hope that you and your loved ones have a joyful Christmas and we wish you a happy, healthy new year.
Blessings,
Gwynne
“Be joyful always; pray continually, giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18