Selfless - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) January 9, 2024

1 Corinthians 10:24 - No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

I recently read this verse and to be honest, my heart skipped a beat. It wasn't with the flutter of adoration and the 'squishiness' a girl has for a boy they like. Nope, my heart jumped in a panic because I wondered, Lord, how am I supposed to do this? How can I ever become so selfless?

God in His mercy gave me some understanding by reminding me that His Holy Spirit is more than able to keep me mindful of this instruction as well as show me how and when to put it into action.

The worry remained until I got to the last verse of the chapter. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:33 - I try to please everyone in every way. I don't think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved.

That's when I got it! I grasped why it is important to be more concerned about others than just myself. The objective is the salvation of souls and the role I can play in reconciling people with God.

If I am conscious of the need to be selfless, the Holy Spirit will guide me to be more selfless. And in being more selfless, I could earn a soul for the Lord. Knowing what's at stake reminded me of Christ's time on earth. He walked for miles, talked to countless people, and spent hours healing the lame, the blind, the deaf, and the dumb. He tirelessly freed individuals from the demons that tormented them. All of this must have been taxing on His human body but He gave selflessly because He knew that each soul was precious and needed to be freed from the devil's clutches. That's also why He bore the embarrassment, hunger, and pain of crucifixion for people who despised Him as well as those yet unborn like you and me.

Praise God, we are not expected to give up our lives. Yet, if we remember the instruction to be selfless, our behavior could lead a soul to Christ. The reverse is true too - our behavior could lead a soul away from the Savior. However, with the Holy Spirit as our guide, we'll make godly and righteous choices that draw people to the Lord - even if just one person.

And when that happens, the heavens will sing for the one who was set free from sin. Jesus said in Luke 15:10 - In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

The year is still young and I pray you will remember to be selfless. You might not get it right at first, but trust the Lord to help you get better daily as you become the vessel He uses to introduce others to Him. The Lord will help us all IJMN Amen.

See you at Noon EST.