Dying to Self

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. - Matthew 7:12 NIV

The message of God is simple. All the teachings in the first five books of the Bible, the declarations and predictions of the prophets, are condensed into this one statement, "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." It is so simple, yet so very hard for us to accept and to follow. While we know it's true, we instinctively know it's the right thing to do; our baser selves struggle with the concept.

How can we possibly treat everyone with the same love, care, and respect we have for ourselves? The answer, of course, is alone we can't; it is only possible through God's help. In accepting Christ as our Savior and committing ourselves wholly to him that we can overcome our selfishness and conceit.

In this action, we open ourselves to the fullness of God's grace. In placing others before ourselves, we put our trust in God. By dying to our natural worldly inclination of the preservation of self, we became filled with the eternal perspective of all, emulating the behavior of Christ. Not focusing on only ourselves or a few select people, but extending it to everyone and in all things.

God, we thank you for your grace. Please help us to die to ourselves and fill us with love for the other. May we see every person as your children and treat them as you in your grace treat us. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim