Getting Past “The Disease of Me”

recognize each other’s gifts, talents, input, and importance as we move toward our common goal at Munholland. We stand together or we fall apart. Paul highlighted the right attitude when he wrote, ‘In humility consider others better than yourselves…’ (Phil 2:3). We can do so much more when we humble ourselves to work together. A strong draft horse can pull up to 8,000 pounds! Two draft horses can pull up to 24,000 pounds. When we humble ourselves and work together pulling in the same direction, our work isn’t just added, it is multiplied! 

But the ‘disease of me’ can show up in another way. Consumer culture epitomizes the ‘disease of me’. We’ve grown up to think that if we don’t like something, we can shop elsewhere. ‘I will get what I want, what makes me feel comfortable, what makes me feel good.’ American culture is more about ‘me’ than ‘we’. Consumerism even sneaks into our Christian lives. ‘I want to be fed’. We can base our lives on what we want rather than how our participation can help others in worship, Sunday School, small group, or other activity. Paul puts it this way, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thess 5:11) God doesn’t call us to be spiritual consumers but servants. 

The next time you come to worship, Sunday School, small group, or study, take a moment to look at the people you are with. Ask this simple question, “Who can I encourage and build up here?” How can you make sure that the atmosphere and attitude of the group is engaging, positive, and helpful to their Christian walk? Who needs a listening ear, a warm hug, or a kind word? Who needs to be encouraged and built up?

Christ calls us to be servants. He modeled it at great cost to himself. It costs ourselves – time, money, effort. But there is no better way to live our common faith because our salvation is tied up in one another.

Seeking to serve better,

Jonathan

 Phil 2:1-4

‘If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.’