Interests of Others

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Mark Shields

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4

Written in the post “Best Motive for Serving” is that Paul didn’t get compensated for preaching the gospel. He didn’t say it was wrong and claimed that those who preach the gospel should be able to receive their living from the gospel. He made the comparison of a farmer who makes his living from what he produces on the farm.

For Paul, the reward was not for himself but for the interests of others and serving the Lord out of love. There was a freeing aspect in serving the Lord out of personal generosity as his faith expressed itself through love.

In the same way, the path built by our generosity is the best way for it is in giving that we find true joy and meaning. Giving not only our time or money but as pointed out in the song When Love Sees You by Mac Powell, giving our testimony or life story and how we became a Christ follower.

Those that give their story to others are blessed. The story of struggles, of pain, of shame, and that Jesus came to give us a new story for the future. A story of joy, of peace, and even fame because those who follow Christ have their name written in the book of life.
 

 

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Best Motive for Serving

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Mark Shields

In previous chapters, Paul taught about rights like marriage and the right to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols. In 1 Corinthians 9:1-18, he teaches about those who preach the gospel having the right to earn their living from the church.

Paul claims that those who preach the gospel should be able to receive their living from the gospel. He makes the comparison of a farmer who makes his living from what he produces on the farm.

Even though Paul was not one of the original twelve apostles who were with Jesus during His earthly ministry, he considered himself an apostle. Reading in Acts 9, Paul saw and talked with the resurrected Christ who called him an apostle.

We find out from reading this passage that Paul foregoes his right to make his living by preaching the gospel. Instead, he had the best motive for serving which was out of love for the Lord. The irony is that while Paul was not compensated for his ministry, the ultimate reward for sharing the gospel was worth much more in the long term than any short term gain here on earth.

Just as with Paul, sharing the gospel message rewards far beyond being compensated by our work here on earth. It goes beyond just being obedient to God’s commission or fulfilling our duty. The most rewarding part is that it satisfies our soul.

We then serve the Lord out of love and our growing faith is never depleted because each time we share the gospel message, the light of Christ shines brighter. There is greater freedom to share and we find out that it is in giving that we receive our greatest reward.

Our growing faith is never depleted because each time we share the gospel message, the light of Christ shines brighter.

This day with You Lord we have opportunities to share our story and it will be fulfilling because in sharing with others about Your love, we receive treasures that are collected for eternity. One story at a time, we will make an impact by passing along the light of Christ into the hearts of many. The adventure ahead will make a difference in our own life as we share the gospel message, it will demonstrate our love for You, and also change the world for the better. Amen. 

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Posted on October 23, 2018 by Mark Shields

This day with God, think of ways to build up the body of Christ. Make it your purpose to love what God loves and share with others

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Free to Run with Grace

Posted on October 23, 2018 by Mark Shields

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. – 2 Corinthians 6:3

A thought made in the post “Build Each Other Up” is that there is no need to flaunt our knowledge to the detriment of someone else. Instead build up others. Be interested in finding their strengths and thinking of ways for them to receive the power God wants them to have.

Jesus came to earth and made the complex simple. Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The Gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never lets us down.  The complexities in life are made more user friendly so we can find greater efficiency in our daily walk.

Take inspiration from the song Control by Tenth Avenue North. God has the power to lift the weight that holds us down so we are free to run with grace.
 

 

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Neighbors Building Each Other Up

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Mark Shields

Paul emphasizes the need to support and build up your neighbor as Christians but as discussed in 1 Corinthians 8, there were some issues the early Christians were working through. One was eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols.

Some Corinthian Christians had the opinion that eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols was a sin. Others said there was nothing wrong with it and this disagreement had the potential to split them apart. The Christians who understood that idols where unimportant were in the wrong for flaunting their knowledge and liberty instead of helping the others along.

Paul explains that there is the need to balance knowledge of God’s way with concern for and love for those still understanding this new way taught by Christ. We should do what is pleasing to God and balance this knowledge with building up others, being interested in what strengths they have, and thinking of ways to help them understand.

Like jumper cables that recharge one battery from another, we can be the link that connects the power of God to people. We can get interested in them, bring joy to them, and empower them. The photo below is a July 4th celebration in my neighborhood. There is a need today for neighbors to get to know each other and work together to build each other up.

July 4th celebration in my neighborhood

Jesus came to earth and made the complex simple. Our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The Gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free to run with grace. The complexities in life are made more user friendly so we can find greater efficiency in our daily walk.

We thank You God for giving us Your Word as the instruction manual for life. By following Your Word, we can live with power to be a better spouse, a better parent, a better worker, and to love our neighbor as You first loved us. The way Jesus lived on earth gives us all the perfect example to follow. We honor You by making a decision to be a friend of Jesus and following. Today, we believe You will help do amazing things as we work together for Your glory. Amen.

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