Week 4 | Day 5 | Others First

Command:

Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:42-44 (NIV)

Read:

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Reflect:

Jesus’s time here on earth was relatively short, but he taught us everlasting lessons. His mission was to teach his followers how to love one another, with compassion, patience, and kindness. Now this sounds pretty simple, until you go out into the world and try to practice Jesus’s ways.

I was taking my Mom to a doctor’s appointment in Mission Valley this week. I was zipping down the freeway when I realized I needed to make a quick lane change. I sped up and put on my blinker, but the armored truck next to me was ignoring my request to change lanes. I made the lane change in front of him, while he was aggressively honking his horn. I made the turn off, but I was rattled. I could have slowed down and gone behind him, but our human nature is to be first. Nothing was accomplished except a little road rage.  

Being a Christian means, we should treat people the way we want to be treated.

I have found that letting people go before me, is a way I can show Jesus’ love. I don’t always have to be first. This goes against our human nature, I know, but that is what Jesus taught us. You never know if your everyday actions can be planting a seed of hope for those seeking to know Jesus. We can serve God through our daily interactions with others.

React:

Are you giving the world hope with your everyday actions? Are there changes that you need to make to be more patient and humble? Slow down, let others be first, and consider that someone may benefit from an act of kindness today.

Pray:

Lord, I want to be prepared to meet you any day at any time. I want to live a life that pleases you. Humble me and allow me to be open to your ways.