Self-Promotion

We are taught that we can get what we want by working hard and promoting ourselves in the proper environment. We are taught that we must speak up for ourselves and about ourselves. Social media feeds into this perspective as so-called influencers will go to great links to promote themselves. God has a better way!

I Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” We humble ourselves before God by acknowledging that He is more powerful, capable, knowledgeable, good, and authoritative than we are. Knowing that He truly cares for us prompts us to give our fears, worries, and concerns to Him, knowing that He will give His best to us.

Shouts of Joy

Sometimes, when I am hiking, I will turn around a bend or reach the summit of a hill and suddenly behold a beautiful landscape. The unexpected beauty fills my soul with joy, and I want to tell others about what I have seen.

Psalm 126:2-3 says, “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.” Celebrate the great things God does for you, but also be sure to celebrate the great things that God does for others as well.

Pay It Forward

As we go through life, there will be times when we do some kindness for another person and yet do not receive kindness or thanks in return. But if we only do these kindnesses because we expect something in return, we will miss out on blessing people and the blessing of knowing that we helped. A few years ago, there was a minor movement of paying kindness forward. Based upon the kindness that we have already received we were encouraged to be kind to others. Based upon the tremendous blessings that God gives us, we have a storehouse of blessings to give others.

Philippians 2:17 says, “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” The world offers kindness to others based upon an expected return of some kindness. The Father sacrificed His own Son for us, without any expectation of return, because we can offer Him nothing. Imitate our Heavenly Father by being kind and loving regardless of whether you will receive anything in return.

In Process

Imagine you one of the world’s greatest artists. You in the process of creating your masterpiece. Someone catches a glimpse of your work during the initial stages. They mention that this creation doesn’t seem to match up with the beauty of your previous works. But they aren’t seeing the final work as you do within your mind. They can’t image the future glory that you see clearly.

Romans 8:18 says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” God has not forgotten you, no matter what you are going through now. He has not forsaken you. And God is not finished with you. Don’t let the sufferings that you experience today cause you to forget the glory that will be yours in this age and in the age to come.

Built Up

If money was no object and you were building a house, you would want to use the best designs and materials. Therefore, you would carefully choose who to work with and where to obtain the necessary materials. You would also, carefully oversee the building to make sure every step was performed by the highest standards.

I Peter 2:4-6 says, “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Like Jesus and the gospel message, sometimes people may reject us and our message of salvation. Despite this rejection, God has chosen us and considers us precious. Our responsibility is to build up His church by offering ourselves to Him and faithfully following Him.