Excited to be back for #FiveMinuteFriday where we write for the love of writing! Join others at Kate’s place and see where the took the word prompt, NOTICE.
“God does not exist to make much of us. We exist to make much of Him.” ~ John Piper
The message of Jesus in Matthew 23 was not just condemning the scribes and the Pharisees. What He had to say is just as relevant to us today. “The greatest among you must be a servant.” Matthew 23:12. Selfishness is rampant in our society and in the Church. We are so busy focusing on our needs and wants that the importance of servanthood seems to take a back seat. We weren’t put here on this earth for our ultimate happiness. We were put here to worship and recreate, and that means spreading the Good News and making disciples. “Go ye therefore…” Matthew 28:19.
Did you notice me?
“Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Noticing HIM changes US!
If I am focusing on Him first, if HE is at the center, then it isn’t so much about ME. If I brag about the things I have done then I get the credit. But when I boast about what Christ is doing in my brokenness then I slip into the shadows and He is noticed.
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
We trade that mirror (quit looking at ME) for a window and start looking OUT at the world around us by focusing on the needs of others. When we realize we aren’t here just for our own happiness, it changes our heart and our mind. Jesus summed up the Law in two sentences:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” And number two? “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:30-31.
Did you notice me?
When it comes down to it, He was sent here because He loved. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
Guess what we were sent here to do? You got it, to love. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34.
Lord, help us to put away the mirrors and start looking out our windows so others will notice YOU instead of me.
Great word, especially during a season where our mouths speak of God, thanksgiving, Christmas… but our hearts are filled with self – how do I look? my house? my dinner? my gifts? … Lord, when people look at me or my things, let them see You!!
A great reminder that what we do is in reflection of him. Lets me one of live and grace.
I like this: “But when I boast about what Christ is doing in my brokenness then I slip into the shadows and He is noticed.” I want my life to be a mirror of Christ to the world. He loves us, gives us strength, guides us and is always with us. Praise His Holy Name!
I love this post! And this… “help us to put away the mirrors and start looking out our windows” – yeah, that’ll preach! Great job!