Greetings friends! I hope this all finds you very well and safe during our big winter storm. This morning in my Bible reading I came across one of the most beautiful Bible passages to me. While it is not new, or surprising, it teaches me so much.
"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done in strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
Who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made of himself no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2
Oh, there is so much for me to learn from this small section. First, the love that Paul (and Christ) describes . . . do I have that love? Do I have a love that does not strive? So often I end up striving with my dear siblings without even realizing it; it simply happens unexpectantly when I am a bit moody and say something to them in a sarcastic, unloving tone. Is my love focused on the other person, or is it focused on self (vainglory). Oh the trickery of vainglory! It also catches me unawares . . . it simply happens when I think a little to much on self. But this heart condition is so opposite of my Lord and Saviour. He, who was God, took the form of a servant. Have you ever tried to break down the word "serv-ant?" To serve one of the lowliest and smallest of creatures . . . an ant. :) Do I serve others--the esteemed and the humble? My Lord made no repuation for himself and became obedient even unto the death of the cross. What a good Savior we have; what a good example too!
Dear friends, let us press onward to Jesus. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith and He is able to make us what we ought to be!! I know it!
With much love from your sister in Christ,
Frannie
Picture Credit: "The Pet Dove" was painted by Daniel Ridgeway Knight. It can be found at this link: http://www.rehs.com/virtexdrk.htm
Picture Credit: "The Pet Dove" was painted by Daniel Ridgeway Knight. It can be found at this link: http://www.rehs.com/virtexdrk.htm
Wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
This is such a timely post for me, dear Frannie. A situation arose this morning where I spoke with less kindness and gentleness than I should have. Your insightful post helped me to see that I was thinking too much of self and too little of the person to whom I was speaking. I do *most sincerely* desire to cultivate that meek and quiet and gentle spirit that is of such great price in the eyes of God. How thankful I am for such a merciful, forgiving and longsuffering Saviour to whom I can flee with heartfelt repentance when I fail Him and fail those around me.
ReplyDeletePerhaps we could pray for each other as we both strive to follow our Beloved down this narrow path?
"I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)
Your sister in Christ,
Miss Linda
Dear Rachel Beth, thank you!! I hope you have a blessed Lord's day. You are an encouragement to me!
ReplyDeleteFrannie
Hello Linda!
ReplyDeleteI so understand! I would love to pray for you, that would be such a blessing I think.
Have a blessed day my sister in Christ!
Frannie