Ministry to Others...Important

Ministry to Others...Important

Phil. 2:3-35

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Lord, as I read this most well-known passage, I once again am reminded that I am not an "island unto myself". Jan Markell says it so well in her book, Waiting For A Miracle, pgs. 96-9:

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." (Phil. 2:3-4 NASB) (emphasis mine.)

Sick people are not exempted from that exhortation! Although we may be suffering, we do not have the privilege of endless complaint or of selfish longings, expecting others to forget or set aside their problems and focus only on ours.

Time is the only commodity we have in excess, and some of it can be channeled to the needs of others…we can pray (for others).

…we can listen to others…for busy people with many responsibilities and deadlines can feel empty and lonely. Well people with whom they are dealing probably don't have time to listen to them. We can.

We were created to be channels, not reservoirs. Suffering can make us selfish or sacrificing.

Paul reminds us that God comforts us in our trials so that we can comfort those in pain with the comfort we have received (2 Cor. 1:4) Thus, those of us who have known affliction are going to be the handpicked instruments of God to bring relief to another. God is preparing us to meet the deep needs of others by bringing us through the rough places first."

Lord, these verses come to my mind:

1) Gal. 6:2- "Bear ye one another's burden,and so fulfill the law of Christ."

2) Rom. 12:15- "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."

3) Acts 20:35b- "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

This last verse makes me think of a dear aunt and the poem my daughter wrote for her. Help me to be more like Aunt Peggy, Lord, even in my sickness…Somehow, by Your grace, I want to bring "sunshine" to others, not clouds. In Jesus' name. Amen.

My Dear Aunt Peggy

My dear Aunt Peggy is a stream.
Of rippling, bubbling laughter.
Those who drink of her cool draughts,
Feel so refreshed thus after!

My dear Aunt Peggy is a star,
Bright shining as the sun…
And those who bask beneath her rays,
Their tears dry, every one!

My dear Aunt Peggy is a breeze,
Warm in the winter chill.
Spring year `round, you may have,
If it be her will
(which it most certainly always is! (Smile)

My dear Aunt Peggy is a cave,
A haven in the storm;
For this cause she was created;
For this cause she was born.

And now thus having had my say,
Let me have one more…
May all the blessings Aunt Peggy's given,
Rest at her own door!

-S.J.C.

Jan Markell's poem from her book, Waiting For a Miracle, pgs. 98-99, also gives me something to meditate on:

Purpose

Last week, Lord,
I asked You to show me a purpose
For occupying this earth.
This week You've allowed me to
Lift another's burden
Weep with a stumbling friend
Heal the wounds of a broken spirit
Say "I'm sorry" to a deserving soul
Send a card as encouragement to a friend
Say "I forgive you" to a hurting soul
Say "forgive me" to another
Say "thank you" a dozen times
Limit my expectations of others
Bury a grudge
Pray for someone's healing
And say "I love you" to many who needed to hear.
Lord, forgive me for doubting even a moment,
That You would answer the fervent prayer of mine,
To be an instrument of Your peace!

Amen.

Lord, I want to be an instrument of Your peace, too. How can I minister to others today? Your answer comes quickly loud and strong:

1) "Read a story to the little ones.

2) Give each of Your husband and children a hug and tell them that you love them.

3) Tickle you husband's arms and hands to help relax him and relieve the pain from his back injury.

4) Send a couple of your "meditations" and some Piper sermon tapes to the neighbor who has cancer."

Yes, I have a purpose for living today, too. Give me strength to do these things, Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Quotes and poem by S.J.C. and Jan Markell are used with permission to share with you, my friends, but please don't copy or forward.