Self-denial should not be a problem for Christ-followers because He willingly denied Himself and took upon Himself the position of a servant, and then died on a cross of shame so that we could live. So we should value others above ourselves, not looking at our own needs but the needs of others. The Lord is not telling us we do not take care of our needs but help those around us in need. Once we have a humble view of self-importance, we see the needs of others. When we give of ourselves freely to the needs of others, we are serving God, and our blessings will overflow. Humility gives us joy and explainable joy that comes when you put someone else’s needs ahead of your own. But, God also tells us, “Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing out of self-ambition or vain conceit. Instead, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own needs but to the needs of others. Not for photo apps, campaign strategies, or movies, just because they need help.
Father, let us not value people for what we can get from them; let us focus on what we can do for others. Lord, let us feel the joy that comes from putting someone else needs ahead of our own. Lord, let our love for You be displayed through our kind, gentle, and compassionate ways to others. Father, let us not focus on the material things that give us no meaning, keep us in debt, and then pass away, but instead on the things of the spirit that will go on for eternity. Father, let us have the same mindset as Christ, so we will treat others as Christ treats us. Father, help us encourage the Souls that are walking in darkness to come towards Your light; so they can receive love, hope, joy, and unexplainable peace. Father, we bow, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, Amen.
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