It’s Not About You
Scripture Reading — Romans 12:1-13
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
There’s an old saying that goes something like this: “If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know one thing for certain: somebody helped it get up there.”
Let’s acknowledge that we all need help as we follow Jesus. Although our emphasis is on “loving one another,” the operative word in all this is grace.
Romans 12 begins by urging us to offer our bodies “as a living sacrifice” in our worship of God. And as a result of our relationship with God, grace leads to loving relationships with others, in which we show God’s love in tangible ways.
Our life in this world is not designed to revolve around ourselves. As we mature in our Christian walk, we realize we’re not the only ones here, and, by God’s grace, we become less selfish. Life centers less on us. At one time we needed help, and we grow to help others.
This is a process. When you became a Christian, that doesn’t mean you immediately love as Jesus does. But as you grow in devotion to God, you also become devoted to one another as believers, and you learn to honor others above yourself. The word “honor” implies giving something its proper weight, recognizing its importance and value to God. This process requires humility, courage, and perseverance.
In what ways can you honor others today?
Lord, we want to be less focused on ourselves and more focused on helping others be the people you designed them to be. Help us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
About the author — George Vink
Pastor George Vink has served as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church for more than 30 years in British Columbia, Montana, Michigan, and California. He and his wife, Shirley, have four married sons and nine grandchildren.
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