Freedom in Forgetting Self

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Though it might not always feel like it, jobs are a blessing. Our work allows us to utilize God-given talents, provide for our families, and grow both personally and professionally. See 1 Corinthians 10:31. However, when we feel overlooked or sense that our contributions aren’t valued, emotions like anger or envy get in the way. What should be a source of delight and fulfillment becomes drudgery we avoid at all costs.

The trouble starts when we think of ourselves as individuals rather than as members of the community. We are here to serve and help one another, after all – not to be served (Matthew 20:20-28). That’s why God’s Word says, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Putting ourselves last allows us to lay petty concerns down instead of becoming defensive. Then we can experience freedom in the truest sense of the word.

The In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, December 19, 2021.

A Great Task

Living together in a way that evokes the glad song of Psalm 133 is one of the great and arduous tasks before Christ’s people. Nothing requires more attention and energy. It is easier to do almost anything else. It is far easier to deal with people as problems to be solved than to have anything to do with them in community. If a person can be isolated from the family (husband, wife, parents, children), the church, or others around them (neighbors) then be professionally counseled, advised, and guided without the complications of all those relationships, things are very much simpler. But if such practices are engaged in systematically, they become an avoidance of community.

Community is a ‘place’ where people pay attention to each other; where each person is taken seriously; where each person learns to trust; where each person depends on others; where each person is compassionate with others; where each person rejoices with others.

Commentary from Masterwork Bible study, Fall 2020, Spiritual Warfare lesson by Jerry Rankin, page 82.