It’s Not About Me

I don’t run because it is easy. Some days it’s the farthest thing from it. I do it because it is worth it. The benefits far outweigh the difficulty, every time. Our obedience to God is the same way. The benefits are eternal; no matter how difficult it is for us, it’s worth it.

Believers in Christ are not immune to heartache, sickness, or loss. This is a broken world because of sin, and everyone is subject to it. But we do have a guarantee that our salvation is secure through Jesus for eternity and that gives us the hope to remain steadfast while we await his rescue from this world.

We do however have a job to do while we wait, and it is sometimes difficult to find the courage and the words. That is to share the gospel so others will hear the good news and, also accept Jesus Christ as their Savior so they can be with us in the Kingdom of God. Whether it be fear of rejection or the risk of being different, we can let it get the best of us and do not do what we are called to do; be bold and share the Great Commission (Mark 16:15). Jesus told his disciples not to worry about what to say, because the Holy Spirit would give them the words (Matthew 10:19-20). The same is true for us today. It is not our job to fix or change anyone. It is our job to love them where they are, just like Jesus does for us, and let our lives and actions point them to Christ, looking to God’s word for truth. If we are faithful to share what God puts on our hearts, and intentional about how we love and serve others, the Holy Spirit will give us the words when we need them. 

I am beginning to see that the ramifications of not sharing the gospel with others is far more detrimental to us and them than if we risked it and went for it, no matter what others think. It is God whom we need to fear, not man. In Matthew 10:33, Jesus goes on to say, “whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” Clearly, that is not something anybody wants when that day comes.

When things are out of my comfort zone, it is my nature to want to avoid them. But when God calls me smack into the middle of it, I know I need to say yes. When I realize it is not about me and go where God sends me, it changes me. There is great spiritual growth, and I gain a new perspective. Not only that but it puts me squarely where God wants me- in total dependence on Him and others will not see me, but they will see the image of God reflected in me, which is my goal in this life.