To read: Philippians 2:19-24
New Revised Standard Version Bible,I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. All of them are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But Timothy's worth you know, how like a son with a father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see how things go with me; and I trust in the Lord that I will also come soon.
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
It's
easy to always focus on what's best for us. Every time we watch TV, listen to the radio or read a magazine, we are bombarded with ads urging us to think only of ourselves, to seek our own interests. To "be a better person," we need to buy the coolest car, use the best toothpaste, soap, and deodorant, eat and drink certain products, and even shower our kids with the most up-to-date toys. There's nothing wrong with cool cars, being clean, eating and drinking good food, or even playing. I like those things! But if all our attention goes to "things," we tend to be selfish and self-centered.
When we act selfishly, we can't see things as they really are. We are quick to judge people and quicker yet to mistrust them. Yet Jesus is calling us to love and care for each other just as he loves and cares for us. It's not always easy. But it can make a huge difference in the lives of everyone we come in contact with. The love of Jesus is worth sharing!
To pray:
O Lord, we thank you for blessing us with life. Help us focus our attention on those around us instead of on ourselves. Give us compassion in our lives so we learn how to serve others with the love and care you have given us. Most of all, we thank you for sending your son Jesus into our world so that all of our sins are forgiven and we have the promise of eternal life. Amen.
Northern Great Lakes Synod Youth Ministry Coordinator
Trinity Lutheran Church, Rhinelander, Wisc.