Hi
I wrote a message and hit “send” repeatedly; to no avail. Nothing I did worked. Until I realized that there was NO recipient! Today’s Holy Nougat connected to me a bit differently since.
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:4 NLT
Sometimes we are wholly convinced that what we do is about or for someone else; except we never stop to find out THEIR actual wants -needs -desires. How’s that for helping?
In some instances we even co-opt others in helping us help others and the others were not consulted. Or somehow; we are on the benefit end when we help.
Like foreign aid. Most often when we hear of foreigners providing relief assistance after a disaster; we fail to realize that the relief workers are from outside. Thus; they need food and shelter which is supplied by the funds/resources collected or the country in need. And yes, there is need for help; but at the same time, much needed resources have to be shared with those helping.
Or we see the big publicity of the large 5’ cheques or house deeds being handed over; and discover later this was as far as it went. Nothing was actually done in reality. Too many cases such.
And what of our promises – to God and to others – to look out for a particular person and we decide that they seem to be alright so we can ignore them.
And when others have done us wrong; can we for even a moment reckon what’s going on with the person and pray for their needs (I have a friend who has that gift; Yay!)? Or support them in a venture not related to us?
Most of all; we must also examine our prayer lives. Have we room to intercede for others? For situations not related to our interests? For our country? Region? Religious leaders? And after intercession, we also need to act. To be part of the transformation that is needed.
Believe me; it is what we are called to be by God; even when our own lives are complicated. I’m working on it; and in God’s strength it will be. How about you – is that an area God needs your focus?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
