August 16
Neh 11:1-12:26 | PS 34:11-22 | Prov 21:14-16 | 1 Cor 10:14-33
Many are familiar with the acronym, JOY, which stands for Jesus, Others, and You. It is meant to assist us, as Christians, as to where our focus and priorities should lie. When we consider all that Jesus has done for us, that He paid for our sins, the payment of which we are incapable of paying for ourselves in that no amount of good works on our part can atone for these sins of ours, it is only fitting that we should live for Christ each and every day, placing Him first in our lives. We read in Philippians 2:3-4, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." With our sins paid for and our eternity secure, with our vertical relationship with God where it needs to be it enables us to look out horizontally towards others. Have our loved ones been introduced to the Savior? Do they know Him and have they come to trust in Him? This also extends to our friends, co-workers, acquaintances, etc. This is what is most important. It is only once these two areas are satisfied do we even consider turning our thoughts inwardly, toward ourselves. Not only is this right, it will lead to a full and satisfied life. Overly looking inwardly to see if we are happy, if we are fulfilled, etc. is a battle which will lead one to never feel satisfied.
Paul explains this in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, " You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others." If that is not clear enough, Paul goes on to state in 10:31-33, "So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved." Paul spent his entire life in service to the Lord. He then set about others centered, wanting all to come into a relationship with our Living Hope, Jesus the Christ. To this extent, he deemed himself his desires of little consequence, as we read of his approach in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, "Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings."
I would like to say that we have all mastered this, but I, for one, have not. We must be careful not to simply brandish acronyms like J.O.Y. and not at least attempt to live by it. This is not something which simply occurs the moment we make the decision to repent and submit to Jesus. It is a choice we make daily. Every day there will be factors, there will be trials, there will be decisions, there will be disappointments, there will be stuff. These things will seek to pull us from what we were called to do and will seek to confuse our priorities and the order of our affections. May we settle our hearts right every morning and reassess throughout the day to keep our compass pointing in the right direction.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: