Being Outward Focused!
Any time people are challenged to look beyond themselves, this is difficult. At our core, we are selfish people. But our attitude is to be like Christ, who did not come to be served, but to serve others (Mk. 10:45). Jesus placed following him and self-sacrifice above all else, even one’s family: 37 “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Mt.10:37). The fact is that many turned away from this message. But those who got the message, with God’s help, began to sacrifice, serve others, and reached the entire world for Christ.
This is the attitude that we must cultivate in ourselves in order to really be outward focused.
Paul said,
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature a God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature b of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:5-8)
Found within this passage are the following concepts-
- Seeking – Jesus left heaven to come to earth. He came to us, actively seeking us out.
- Serving – Jesus sacrificed his own comfort, not holding on to his equal footing with the Father in heaven. Instead, he willingly gave up this position to become human and serve others
- Good News (which we Share) – Jesus died for us on the cross, making possible our salvation.
It is a difficult message. But once we take up that cross, sacrifice, and follow Jesus–who came to seek and save lost people–God will greatly bless our lives and our families.
How can we be more intentional about reaching lost people?
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