Audits & Resolutions - Day 20

Write From My Heart / December 20, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Day 20

Question: Do I become so self-oriented that I have trouble noticing others?

Isaiah 35:3-4 (NIV) Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

            Traditionally Christmas is the season of JOY. For many years, the word JOY has been defined as the acronym Jesus first, Others next, Yourself last. Although that may be somewhat cliché to many and may seem to roll blithely off our tongue, my heart tells me this might be truer than we realize. There is another expression to illustrate the converse and it goes something like this… that a person wrapped up in themselves makes a very small package. I’m sure there are many other phrases and examples useful as illustrations but the point is a simple one:

            When I am so focused on my own (concerns/problems/issues) then I forget to look around me to the needs of others. And the fact is that when I focus on praying for others, encouraging others, helping others; then I have more joy because I am no longer focused on the negative. Christ comes first because he is the one who supplies the peace, comfort, and strength I need to serve him by serving others. In serving others, I in turn reflect the peace, comfort, and strength of Christ which they also need to sustain joy in their lives. It all begins with Christ—it ministers to the needs of others—and it brings me JOY.

Resolution: Be an encourager.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we become so self-absorbed that we fail to notice opportunities to be useful for you. Guide us in building the habit of encouraging others. Thank you for each day’s generous supply of your peace, comfort, and strength.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.