HOW CAN OTHERS DETECT THAT YOUR FAITH IN THE LORD HAS CHANGED YOU?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
He must increase, but I must decrease.  
(John 3:30)

MEDITATION:
Self-centeredness could very well be 
the basic cause of a lot of the distress in life. 
Hypochondria (a mental disorder which is accompanied by melancholy 
and depression), can be caused by self-pity and self-centeredness. 
We can develop all-consuming thoughts of ourselves 
and fail to consider others as we are instructed in God’s Word.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility 
value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests 
but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Most of us suffer from spiritual nearsightedness. 
Our interests, our loves, and our energies 
are too often focused upon ourselves. 
Jesus underscored the fact that His disciples were to live a life that 
flowed outwardly, rather than a selfish life contained within one’s own being. 

To the rich young ruler He said, 
“If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, 
and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21). 
It wasn’t the giving away of his goods that Jesus demanded in particular, 
but that He wanted the young ruler to be freed from his selfishness
and it’s devastating effect on his personality, attitude and life.

Why does Jesus want us to become unselfish and consider others?
Because that is the example He set for His followers.
Jesus was unselfish so He wants His followers to be unselfish as well.
When we are genuine followers of the Lord, then we should think like He does.
In your relationships with one another, 
have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5)

ACTION:
If we want to grow in our relationship with the Lord,
then we must develop a mindset that is similar to His.
His thoughts should increase in our minds as our thoughts decrease.
Unselfishness should replace selfishness and self-centeredness.

Obedience should replace rebellion and disobedience.
We should develop a desire to encourage and lift the spirits of others.
If we are not seeing these changes in our attitudes and actions,
then we are not allowing Him to increase while we decrease.

What examples in your own life indicate 
that Jesus is increasing and you are decreasing?
Are you still living with thought processes that are all about you,
or do you look for opportunities to have a positive impact on others?

Satan will try to convince us that ‘we’ are the ones who need to be 
lifted up first before we can put forth any efforts to encourage others.
Jesus wants us to do the polar opposite – we should consider what we can 
do to help others and trust Him to help us as a result of our new attitude.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, teach me to open my heart and mind completely to 
You so there will be no room left for my selfishness. Cleanse me of all 
self-centered thoughts and actions. Help me to be less concerned with 
things and become more concerned with people and my impact on them. 
Guide me and encourage me to become more obedient so I will respond 
to God’s commands as You do. Help me to realize that Your instructions 
are not suggestions, but are commands that expect obedient actions from
me. Thank You for providing opportunities for me to prove my faith in 
You is real by how I respond to Your commands.”

BLOG: utvolwoody.woodpress.com