Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
I had a conversation with my cellmate, Paul, over breakfast this morning. Paul has only recently begun his walk with Christ. Everything is new to him. I have introduced him to a pastor friend of mine. He now visits Paul and studies with him. As a new Christian, Paul has loads of questions. I do my best to assist him and answer all of them. If I don’t know the answer, then I work diligently to find it. [I have yet to be completely stumped.] Today, Paul and I discussed being selfless. Recently, Paul expressed his lack of understanding in regards to putting God first. My pastor friend and I both explained to Paul that if he puts God first, everything else will fall into place. Paul was an addict. The very act of being an addict is selfish. I know Paul to be a very caring and giving man, but drugs change people. Having spent a great number of years being a selfish addict, it is very hard for Paul to understand the concept of putting God first – or anything for that matter. I explained to Paul that if he lives a selfless life and puts God first, he will never be an addict again. For being an addict is selfish. Thus, a selfless person is unable to be an addict. Simple math really.
Putting God and others above ourselves makes us better human beings. It is less stressful. It feels good! Nay, it feels AWESOME! Now that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be mindful of ourselves. Nor does it mean that we should be selfless – with people – to the point where we are hurting ourselves or especially hurting our relationship with the Lord. However, it says in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” By loving each other and being selfless, we are putting God first. Amen! When we put God first, we receive His blessings. When we receive His blessings, our lives are enriched. For we shall live in His grace. This is simple math folks. It’s not hard to figure out why our lives are better when we put God first and live selflessly. Amen! In the name of Jesus, I challenge you to stop living selfishly and start living selflessly. I’m not telling you to be a sucker. No, sir. I am asking you to be considerate of others in your thoughts, actions and deeds. Treat them as you wish to be treated. For in so doing you will selflessly put God first. Amen!
Matthew 5:1-16
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
May God Bless and Keep You! May you put Him first! May you learn to live selflessly!
Love in Christ,
Randall