“… do not look to your own interests but to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:4-5
The time has come to part with another blessing from our Heavenly Father. 15 years ago we bought another house, with the intention of selling this one, and moving. Having 2 houses doubles the work, and we’ve reached the decision to part ways with the other place. All was going well, until an inspector told us there’s a problem. Apparently I have leakage!
NOW is NOT the TIME! I was looking forward to being done and over with the repair business. When I went to check out the leaky problem, I discovered it was non-existent! Which makes matters even WORSE! Though I have a problem that doesn’t exist, it STILL needs to be addressed! In other words, a PERCEIVED problem needs to disappear!
I love my Realtor! Both she and my wife talked me down off the ledge, then gently helped me climb back into my Jesus suit! They helped me recognize the benefit of looking out for other people’s interests as well as my own. Oftentimes, this preacher needs preached TO! I really appreciate it when people who care about me do the hard thing and tell the truth.
Getting into other people’s business is something that Jesus did often… and well. Truthfully, it didn’t work out most of the time, and we KNOW what happened to Him. But He was not sent here by His Dad to be served. He came to serve! AND to teach people, like me, how to do the same! This verse today makes it crystal clear… Jesus wants me to leak!
When I was a kid, my mom often called me a ‘me-first-er.’ Demanding my own way, jumping to the head of a line, being non-cooperative and LOUD were just some of the ways I used to get my own way. My mom is resting from her troubles now and in Heaven with Jesus. But a MUCH more assertive leader, The Holy Spirit, has taken her place. And HE doesn’t mess around!
When I go to the store, He reminds me of things that Katie or the church need and urges me to get them. When I see someone in a tough spot, He interrupts me to offer assistance. I DON’T have to tell you the battles we have when I’m driving! There, I am a SERIOUS work in progress! But PROGRESS is what He is always shooting for.
I am called to look… and THINK… like Jesus! To be sure, this expectation from God is a MAJOR inconvenience! He NEVER leaves and RARELY quiets down. And He can be quite demanding. But as I face this day, I am reminded by my house incident, that leaks are not only inevitable… they are REQUIRED!
For God’s sake… what are YOU doing?
