One of the hallmarks of being a Christ-follower is living for others. Francis Schaeffer called love the “mark of the Christian.” Why?
I think it is because it is love that lives for others.
We are pretty obsessed with celebrity. We have celebrity chefs, celebrity athletes, even celebrity pastors. They find themselves flying all over the continent speaking at just about any or every event, consulting, advising, and interviewing. And get this: some even wear $1500+ tennis shoes in the pulpit. I wear tennis shoes but I guarantee they cost barely a fraction of that (and wouldn’t really them anyway). Some take pride in how many followers they have on social media.
But Jesus had a way of life that was so different. His approach was making it about everyone else. How many times, for example, did He say, “Tell no one” after he performed a miracle. Even His birthday shows He came to give His life for someone else. I will often say, “We do this for an audience of One.” What it comes down to is that what I do, I don’t do for me.
To follow Jesus’ example is just that. I don’t get (nor do I need to have) the last word. I don’t live to see what I can get and how it benefits me. I don’t seek to be the #1 player, the star of the show.
It’s all about Him. Or as Matt Redman sang: “It’s all about You, Jesus, it’s all about You.”
“Father, help me to live my life for You and for others. Help it not to be about me.”
I love the Matt Redman song. Years ago Max Lucado came out with a book entitled, “It’s Not About Me”. It surely is not. Sometimes, it’s even about us laying down our lives (our desires or wants) to be able to lift others up. Great post, Bill!
I love his song also Diane. If you ever get a chance (if you haven’t already) check out how that song came about. If you can’t find out let me know. And you are right about laying down our lives to lift others up. There is a great satisfaction in knowing I’m living like the Father. Thanks.
In a time of “likes”, “followers”, “retweets”, “tiktoks”, and “snaps”…
I am sure it can be difficult not to get sucked in to the hype of look at me… See what I can do.
It isn’t bad to have influence… As long as it means pointing others to the one that should be influencing us. The problem comes when we can’t look away from the mirror or the hit count long enough to notice that we are no longer following the one that we say we should be following.
Reminds me of a recent message on Nebuchadnezzar and pride… Interesting history there of worship me… No no no I meant the one true God.
Had to chuckle at that last comment Ryan. I did know what you meant though. 🙂 But you are right about our influence.
One of my favorite songs by Matt Redmon, too, Bill. It’s not about us, it’s all about Jesus. May we all live to love and serve others.
Blessings!
You hit the nail on the head Martha.
Sometimes I hate the way I look in the mirror.. then I simply adjust the mirror. 🙂
Sometimes it is much easier to do that!