It's Not About You!

         Even though we often question our own purpose in life, and whether or not we’re pursuing the right goals, working the right job, studying the right major, or even choosing the right mate, one thing is for sure, Jesus provides us with a great role model as a man who was indeed living for and pursuing the “right” purpose.

         He was so clear on his purpose and mission that he never felt the need to defend himself or argue his position.  He knew who he was and what God called him to do.  He didn’t waste his time quarreling with others who stood between him and his “higher” calling.  His focus and gaze was always on God, not himself.

         However, in my life, especially when I’ve disagreed with someone, felt taken advantage of, or didn’t get my way, I’ve often taken my eyes off of God’s desires for me and placed them on my own selfish ones.  My interactions with others weren’t about God’s purpose, but rather about my own pleasure, expectations, and desires for immediate gratification.  This is not something I’m proud to admit, but I can’t believe I’m the only man on the planet who has struggled with this.

         In a society that bombards us with messages of doing what we want when we want, saying what we want when we want, and getting and having what we want when we want it, is it any surprise when others view us as selfish?  At least I don’t think so.  We’re selfish not only about our desires, but also about our time, our money, and our interests.

         In my past relationships with others, not only have I failed to put God’s desires and needs first, I’ve often failed to consider the other person’s needs and desires as well.  But there’s one thing to identify a personal character flaw in your life, and it’s another thing to humble yourself before God and seek him to help you correct it (or at least learn from it).

         As I’ve matured in my faith over the years, I’ve discovered that when it comes to dealing with God, His children, and my life in general, as a man, I need to change one major thing:

I need to develop a God-centered, people-oriented consciousness and approach to serving Him and others.

         For the last few years, I’ve worn two rubber bracelets around my wrist that look identical to each other, but actually are slightly different and serve different purposes.  They’re the same kind of bracelets that Lance Armstrong, the legendary cyclist, made popular years ago.  These bands look the same, but they’re each inscribed with a different message on it.  One bracelet in particular drives home the point I’m trying to make here, and also the reason why I wear it, so I won’t ever forget it’s meaning.  The bracelet reads, “IT’S NOT ABOUT ME.”

         I wear it as a reminder to myself to embrace the full meaning of “living to serve.”  I wear it to remind me to apply it to my life, my message, my actions, the people I meet, the work I do, my son, in my relationships, and most importantly, to God’s purpose.  This little shift in consciousness has made a HUGE difference in my life.

         So, I join together now in praying with you, asking God to give us both the grace, mercy, and patience we need to allow us to do His will on this earth by serving others.  I also want you to challenge yourself over the next 24-hours by asking yourself whenever you meet someone today, “What can I do serve them?’  And whatever God speaks to you heart, just resolve in your spirit to do it.

         Until next time, stay strong my brother, and stay in His grip!