GodReflection: Power Words

I entered the world at birth with my compass needle in a spin.

North pointed to self as did east, west, and south. The “others” emotion was nowhere within my baby blanket.

Isn’t it odd how we are in a temporary trance as we lavish unrestrained praise and admiration on the cute little bundle of selfcenteredness? After several months of me, me, me, we begin to introduce concepts like share, thank you, and no.

The Christ follower spends the remainder of life keeping the devil’s implanted “me gene” at bay. Those who refute change fall from our list of favorite people. Selfishness is no longer a cute attribute after the crib.

Jesus entered the world powered by his concern for others. The Gospels’ 89 chapters make public a Jesus—the mirror reflection of God—who lived for others. He touched, fed, healed, revealed the Father, loved, and demonstrated genuine compassion for people.

Jesus asked me when I sign on as his disciple to reset the compass needle. The Holy Spirit keeps my needle pointing north to Jesus. That takes away the east, west, and south “me poles.” At least they don’t pull with such force.

Jesus teaches me to love others as I love myself. He teaches me to take a basin and a towel and to wash away need.

Paul follows the example of Jesus and gives “others” instruction to Christians in Rome, Corinth, and Philippi. I want to listen to a compilation of his instructions:

In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others . . . Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law . . . No one should seek their own good, but the good of others . . . 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.

The Apostle Peter tells me how to follow Paul’s instruction. What’s neat about the blank filled in by Peter is this: Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Jesus provides me with the gift set to fulfill his wishes.

Powered by the Spirit, my radar scans the daily horizon focused on others. My God-given giftedness is sufficient to meet needs sent in my direction. My challenge is one of obedience. Will I be the hands and feet of Jesus that shares his heart with others?

I want to keep others on my radar screen as a power word.

Stay tuned.

Dr. Gary J. Sorrells – A GodReflection on the Power Word Others.

Gary@Godreflection.org