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We were created in His image; to worship the God of the universe and to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Mark 12:31)
But so many times THINGS get in the way and we get this all turned around. We love our THINGS so much so that we take them everywhere we go. We can’t live without them.
A good example is the cell phone. There really was a time in life that we lived without this small electronic gadget…and survived.
Today is an entirely different story. We rise in the morning and it is either the first thing we unplug from the charger or the first we plug into, if the iPad was charging through the night. We carry it with us all throughout the day, take it with us to lunch and dinner, keep it close by in our pocket or purse and then back to bed with us at night.
Is the cell phone sinful? Of course not. But we sure do love it; we cannot do without it!
If we know that they can help get us a raise or promotion? If perhaps they are IMPORTANT, RICH or WELL-KNOWN?
Yes, we all do it even if it is subtle, we are guilty.
But Jesus said to do unto others as you would have them treat you…
“Do to others as you would like them to do to you. If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.” Luke 6:31-34 NLT.
Wow. We pat ourselves on the back for loving, for being compassionate to those we know will give us something in return…even if it is just RECOGNITION.
Jesus was clear that even sinners love those who will love them back. Even sinners will do something nice for someone that will repay them in some way.
Let us be careful today to get these in the right order:
Use things…not people Love people…not things!
Lord, help us to love even when, especially when, it doesn’t benefit me.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 NIV.
How hard is that? That has stuck with me all week long too. Blessings to you. ♥
Loving the unlovely…because Christ loves me. ♥
Thank you for stopping by! Blessings.
We can’t live without this technology any more…it surrounds us! But unplugging is necessary. Blessings dear friend!
Love that…open palms! Blessings, Hazel.
And a perfect example He is! Blessings!
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I agree, it is PEOPLE that matter. ♥
Thank you Holly for a place to share! ♥
Thank you so much for stopping by! Jesus didn’t seek fame or adoration, didn’t expect anything back. He just wants our heart! Blessings.
That is true, Sharon! We might not even know we are doing it. Thankful for our perfect example in Christ. ♥
We are too, and it can definitely be a distraction. I am like you, when everything is “shut off” it is a relief! ♥
Great thoughts, Nannette. I love the quotes. So true. Use things, not people. If we only love those who love us back, how hard is that? Great points.
Such truth! It is easy to love the ones we love. Loving the unlovely…that’s the true test of living out the golden rule
Love this quote! Stopping by from Friendship Friday.
It’s so funny that you should write on this because that’s what our pastor spoke on this past weekend. He challenged us to “unplug” in some way from “things” like our phones or Facebook. So this reminds me of that challenge–which is kind of tough for me. I think back to the days when computers and cell phones weren’t such a moment-by-moment presence in my life. In fact, Nannette, I resisted the idea of getting a cell phone for years before breaking down to get one. Now I can’t stand to be without it! Ugh! Yes, this is a message that I needed to hear and one that I hope blesses others. Hugs to you, sweet friend!
Whether it be our home, things, or cell phone, or even people – – may we hold them with open palms and never clutch them. Thank you for sharing your inspiring post with us here at “Tell Me a Story.”
So true…Jesus died for people. His greatest sacrifice was for his love of humanity. He is our example of what our priorities should be.
Blessings!
Cindy
Thank you for the reminder that those things really don’t matter–it’s people that matter and we should always examine our priorities.
Beautiful reminder of what is truly important in this life, Nannette. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!
I really enjoyed reading this post! Jesus did not do things for fame or praise. He did not give to barter, to lend, or to expect anything in return. I want to strive to be more like Jesus, and this requires questioning my motives before I speak or act.
The temptation to “use” people can be very subtle. We might not even know that we’re doing it. But yes, it’s important to really engage with people, not expecting anything in return. As always, Jesus is our perfect example of how to deal with people – the ones we love, and our enemies.
GOD BLESS!
Great thoughts and very true! 🙂 We’re completely self-employed, and our gadgets are very much a part of our everyday lives. Most days it’s a relief to turn them to “do not disturb.” 🙂