Shallow Devotion
Good Morning,
Our society is immersed in a “me first” manner of thinking. The tragedy is that Jesus promised loss of life to those who think and act in such a way.
John 12:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”
vs. 25 “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”
Do you want to lose your life and all that is precious to you in this world? If so, simply live selfishly, and you will find yourself very empty and alone.
What word defines the life of the Saviour any more than selfless. Jesus came to serve:
Matthew 20:28 “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Christ came to give:
John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
The Lord did not come to get even:
1 Peter 2:23 “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”
I could go continue, but the summary is that Jesus left us an example of how to live – right up to the cross, when He prayed, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do.”
It is pitiful how the disciples scattered when the Lord faced trouble. They ran because of selfishness. When Peter denied the Lord three times, it was his selfishness. When John Mark fled from the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, it was selfishness.
When Satan said, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God,” that was probably the beginning of selfishness (Isaiah 14:13). Another example of the product of fear and selfishness was when the parents of the man healed of his blindness said they knew nothing and to ask the man who was “of age.” Now, I am not saying I would not have joined any of these in their fears and selfish behaviour, but let us at least admit that it was wrong and selfishness was the motive for their actions.
In our world, a person can be slandered and friends will scatter like roaches in the light for fear of being attacked in the mess. What if all friends and honorable associates said, “We will keep on loving and working as we have in the past?” Why, it would make the slanders and accusations benign.
Cowardice, selfishness, or whatever other term might apply is in direct conflict with loyalty and honorable behaviour.
Matthew 26:31 “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad." (Zachariah 13:7)
During the Reformation, many a Baptist hid in the shadows while others stood and often suffered. In the colonial days of America, the Protestant leaders abused Baptists a great deal. Some folks went to jail or were beaten, and others moved west to seek freedom. No doubt, there were others who felt it was safer to step back into the Anglican Church.
I am an American! Even with its weaknesses, our nation has given me so much. When it becomes popular to slander our nation, I will not be on that band wagon. Likewise, I am a Baptist; and as it seems, “Fundamental” has become a negative term, but I say loudly, “I am a FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST.” Allow me to elaborate more and also say, “I am a male, married to a female; I read a King James Bible daily; I work for a living and pay my bills, and in sixty-six years of life, I have never, knowingly, taken a dime of government help.” To flee one of these things to protect myself would be tragic. By His grace, I will not run.
Selfishness will sink your ship every time!!
Our pastor used to quote this song: “Am I A Soldier of the Cross” (vs 2 & 4)
Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas?
Sure I must fight if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord!
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word.
Pastor