Today’s New Covenant nugget is from 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.
The Passion Translation says, “Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.”
Jesus said, “If you have done it to the least of these, My brethren, you have done it unto me!” New Covenant Christianity is all about serving others, giving generously and putting the needs of others first. Jesus promises that if we do that, then He will more than make up the difference… He said that we would receive a hundredfold blessing in this life!
When you give, leave and serve to meet the needs of ‘the least of these’, you are placing the kingdom of God first, and the reward from Jesus for doing that will be beyond measure!
A couple of Sunday’s ago, I reminded our people that, besides worshipping the Lord, the number one reason that we go to church is for others, not ourselves. Many people pick a church on the basis of how it can serve their needs, how excellent and professional the music is, convenient parking and soft, comfy seats in an air conditioned building… they fail to ask the real question, “Lord where am I most needed, and where do You want me to serve?”
Christians who place their own interests above the needs of others are not generous, hardly ever tithe and do not serve in the church… most do not even go to church on a regular basis as the kingdom of God and it’s interests are not their priority… sadly, their own lives are riddled with lack, problems and hardship. When we serve, give, lay down our own lives and become ‘others minded’, the Lord moves our lives straight into miracle territory.
Serving in God’s kingdom can be very inconvenient, can cost you everything, and will place you in the midst of the hardship, sickness and problems that others face… it is not ‘safe’, in the natural, but in the supernatural, it is the safest place to be. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but NOTHING shall by any means harm you!
When you put others first, when you become a generous giver, when you begin to live to be a blessing to others… increased favor, blessings and miracle provision begin to flood your life. Step out of yourself and be Jesus’ hand extended and discover life!
Blessings on you, Nick
