Consider Others Higher

After loading out of the SAC one last time, we made the 2-day trek to Amherst. 

The bus ride was not very enjoyable for me, as I have been sick for the past week. The first few days I had the flu, but after mostly recovering from that I got both a sinus and ear infection. Needless to say I have not had the most pleasant of trips in a crowded bus full of loud people and no fresh air. But regardless of the circumstances I have maintained a good attitude. 

I'm learning in this time to put others before myself, even when I don't want to. Typically I had an entitlement mentality that said that I should be first because of how much I thought I deserved it. This week I have been seeing that I should prefer others, even if I think my own needs are more important. I cannot effectively minister to the people of God if I am sowing seeds of selfishness into myself. Instead I must sow into fruits of the Holy Spirit and let the Lord conform me into His image.

My challenge for you this week is to do the same:

When you feel entitled to put yourself before others, take a step back and let them in front. 

"...giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."

In Love,

Michael

The Second Commandment

This week I have been challenged in a variety of areas... Here is something that I've been learning:

I've been having a lot of tension in a couple of relationships with people; some of it has been false impressions that need to be forgotten, while others have more complex roots... In any case, I keep having to remind myself to love them as Christ loves them and to forgive as I have been forgiven... easier said than done, though, as we all know. But it's still simple. I want to love them, and I know what I need to do; the difficult part is actually doing what I know I need to do. I can hear from the Lord all day, but if I don't do what He says, what does my hearing matter? So that's just what I'm trying to do... "LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

I challenge you to take a look at the relationships in your life. Are you loving people as Christ would want you to? If you are, good; keep going and don't give up, even in weariness. If you find that you aren't loving people, check your motivations and fix your heart. Surrender to the Lord once again and let Him make you more like Himself by His grace. Be encouraged.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Ephesians 6:9-10

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
In love,
Michael