Message from Scripture: 7/30/2021

 

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Rom. 12:10: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

 

These words of Paul have the potential to effect a positive change in how we think of each other, of how we respond to each other. However, in the world we live in, how often do people respond in ways that comes from one’s own personal desires, and not from a consideration of others?

 

The term Paul uses in speaking of outdoing one another is the Greek term προηγέομαι (proegeomai), which means to lead the way, to lead forward or onward, to go before, take the lead. In the New Testament it is often used figuratively meaning to lead by example, of that in which one excels. So, as Christians we should lead the way and excel in showing honor to others, in contrast to wanting to take the lead over others, to have things one’s way, to act selfishly. It’s reflected in his further teaching in Rom. 12:16, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”

 

In the kingdom of God, His church, we all have talents and abilities, there are things we all can do in serving our Lord, within the roles He has given us. Such should come from humility, knowing in doing this we are imitating our Lord, who took the role of a slave to serve God by offering Himself on the cross for our sins (Phil. 2:6-8). We remember what Jesus Himself said of the perspective we must have in serving Him. “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done” (Luke 17:10).

 

Today, let’s go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from pure hearts and motives. Let’s approach all we say and do from meekness, showing the image of Christ in us. May it be Him we serve, and not ourselves. God bless.

 

Robert