How Do You See Yourself In The Big Picture?

Sometimes it is hard for us to understand that we are not the center of the universe. Sometimes, from our perspective, everything rotates around us. That is, unless we have just fallen in love. In that case everything rotates around the object of our affection. But we are not always in that state of love and so we find ourselves fairly solid at the center of our universe.

Even when it comes to the latest brand of Christianity being peddled around the world, we have God placing us on a pedestal, as if everything around us is just for our benefit. Strange how the Word tells us to consider others more important than ourselves. Strange how Jesus never sought for himself but always gave out to others. Strange how he demonstrated the attitude and actions of a servant.

Have you thought for a moment that God is very pleased with you and has already prepared your reward which is to come? But right now, at this moment, he needs you in the role of a servant. Have you thought that his purpose for you is not to selfishly receive from him but to be one who administers God's great gifts to others? Have you thought for a moment that he has placed you where you are so that he can love others through you and glorify himself in you so others will come to know him?

You know about apostle Paul. Do you know that he realized that what he received was not for his benefit but for those whom he was sent to minister? All that grace he had received, the great revelation and insight into God's Word, he realized was for the benefit of those lost outside of the nation of Israel:

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. (Ephesians 3:1-3)

"Given to me for you." Can you imagine waking up to the reality that everything you have ever experienced was never meant for you directly but was for others to have through you? Well, that is our reality which we have twisted so that we are the center instead of those to whom we are sent to minister. Of course there is a residual benefit. What passes through us also benefits us but we are not the sole intended target. Each of us have been placed her to administer the grace God has given to us.

Without a doubt our Father loves us but I wonder how often we disappoint him when we put ourselves ahead of those he wants us to love? I wonder how disappointed he is with the self-centered nature of this latest brand of Christianity? I pray for the conviction of the Spirit to come upon us, that we would realize what we are making it to be compared to what our Father desires it to be. I pray for a fresh revelation of God's truth, that we would be horrified that our neighbour is facing the eternal fires of hell and instead of being concerned about our own needs. May we realize that this great grace that has been poured into us is for the benefit of those to whom he sends us, like our neighbour.

Selfishness does not please Jesus but generosity does. Be generous with the grace of God and with everything else he has freely given you.