So many times we get caught up in our own lives: get up, go
where we need to go, get done what we need to do, see the people we need to
see, eat the food we need to eat, sleep and do the same thing the next day. It
is a constant cycle and it is so easy to get wrapped up in ourselves. As a Bible
college student, it is easy to get into a routine of classes, chapel, work, homework,
hardly any sleep, classes, chapel, work, homework, hardly any sleep, classes…you
get the idea.
The routine things of life are not bad, in fact, it is
important to have a routine and organization in your life. But what and who is the
focus?
This past Saturday was an eventful day: there was a funeral,
a wedding, and several birthdays. Think about all that is involved in each.
- Funeral: a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, church
member, friend passed away. Those who knew her were reminded of her life and
service to Christ. Those who did not know her were encouraged by her testimony.
Several people were saved during this home going service.
- Wedding: the union of two growing Christians and faithful
church members who are a testimony to those around them. Two people with great
potential and desire to serve the Lord were made one and will go on to glorify
Christ with their lives.
- Birthday: celebration of birth, of a life entering into the
world. These people have impacted many people’s lives around them and continue
to be faithful which encourages those who watch and follow.
A funeral, a wedding, and birthdays. None of these events
had anything to do with me; I barely knew the people involved. As I woke up on
Saturday morning, well aware of all that was going to happen that day, I was
excited to be busy, stressed and pressured. But my motive began somewhat
selfishly: I enjoy being busy; I find fulfillment and satisfaction in it. As
the day went on and I attended and served in each event, my perspective
changed.
At the funeral, I remembered how it felt to lose a
grandparent and I remembered that others have the same feelings I had. As an
elderly lady sat in a wheelchair and sobbed, I realized that she has pains and
feelings I do not understand. This funeral was not about me being busy and
helping make sure the food for the reception was ready, it was about being compassionate and
understanding to the needs of others.
At the wedding, I got sentimental (as most girls do at
weddings) and thought how wonderful it was that a glowing bride walked down the aisle
toward her waiting groom to join in marriage. This wedding was not about me
making sure the nursery workers were in their place, or about me making sure
the cake was on its way or that everyone had their corsages. This wedding was
about the union that was glorifying to God and two lives brought together as
one to help each other be better servants of Christ.
The birthdays were not about me wishing them a happy
birthday or thanking the people for the influence they have been in my life. These
birthdays were about lives that were given by God to use for His glory and to
continue faithfully.
So many things go on in the world around us, and they really
have nothing to do with us. But why can we not see past these things and see
the people involved and what it means to them? What is the eternal value? How
much will it kill you to stop thinking of yourself and put others before you? Step out of your self-pleasing bubble and look to someone in need.
Matthew 16:14 – Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any
man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow
me.
To be a disciple of Jesus, we need to stop thinking of
ourselves, deny our pleasures and get our focus on following Christ.
