Philippians 2:4 "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
It's the most wonderful time of the year! For those of us at a certain age, can
you hear Andy Williams singing that on his annual Christmas TV special? Don't
you just love this time of the year from Thanksgiving until Christmas? Yes, we
hear of the usual battles at the shopping malls when two people grab the last
one of the most popular item for the year. But for the most part, people are in
good moods: festive, happy and free hearted. Much time is spent in wanting to
give just the right gift for the special people in your lives. We open
our pockets to those who stand outside the stores ringing the bell as they
collect money for Salvation Army and for Empty Stocking Fund. We think about
those who are less fortunate than us and we open our hearts toward others. Yes,
it is the most wonderful time of the year. I love it.
It isn't Christmas when Paul writes this letter. In fact, it could have been
said that Paul was one of those who had a special need due to the fact that he
was writing from prison. But Paul was not talking about just a certain time of
the year; rather, he was speaking of a frame of heart and mind that should be
year round. "Be more mindful of others than of yourself." The
world teaches, "Look out for Number One, because no one else will."
The Lord teaches us to be more mindful of others. You see, if God's Word is
truly followed, there is a balance. For someone who might say, "Well, what
about me? How will I be taken care of when I am trying to take care of someone
else?" The truth is that if God's Word is followed, then someone
else is looking out for me instead of themselves.
So we say, "Well that sounds good, but it doesn't happen." Not
everyone takes that approach in life. So what are we to do? Paul begins chapter
two with the words, "If there be therefore any consolation in
Christ..." In the first verses of this chapter, he speaks of joy,
love, humility, and service to others. Do you think there just might be a key
there to fulfillment in life? It certainly seems that way. And as we were reminded
in chapter one, we change the world by helping one person at a time.
Again, in the spirit of Christmas time, we all know about Ebenezer Scrooge,
don't we? He was a dried up, shriveled up man because of his selfishness.
But when he began to think upon others and go beyond his own selfish desires,
his life began to blossom and be filled with joy and happiness. May this spirit
of love and joy and peace be within us all through the year as we think upon
the greatest action of giving that could ever take place... "For God so
loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." Thank you
Lord for your love. May that love not only flow into me but also flow through
me to others.