Friday, November 10, 2023
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night.
Read: 1 Timothy 1:12-14
A few years ago, I recall when a conversation between two colleagues got a bit heated. We were in the beginning stages of team planning for a Christmas event and the two colleagues seemed to disagree on everything (even the color of the sky and the grass). The tension between the two prevented us from moving forward with anything until finally, another colleague had had enough of the bickering and said, “do you realize that none of this is about either of you, it’s about the people we serve.” There was a long, awkward silent pause, the two colleagues, clearly embarrassed by what was said, did an about face without expressing another negative word or gesture toward the other.
The truthful words directed toward the two colleagues allowed the team to finally move forward with planning. It was a transformative moment for the team, but especially for the two opposing team members that I will not soon forget. The focus and priority of their work became centered on the people they served. The work they collaborated on and produced was intentional and heartfelt. A moment in time transformed two stubborn hearts from the continual pursuit of personal status, power, and one upmanship to serving others for the glory of God, and it was beautiful process to watch.
Be Still: We tend to recognize Paul’s big transformation during his Damascus experience, yet the call on his life to follow Jesus was different and truly transformational for the good of others. Paul knew the work before him was no longer about him, but instead, about what God was doing through him by serving and leading others.
Consider those times in your life when you realized life or something else you were doing was not all about you. How did this realization change you? How do you experience God’s grace moving you toward serving others in a greater capacity than you are today? Celebrate your transformation this week by giving thanks to God for the love and grace that makes this life not just about you.
Pray: Loving God, I am beyond grateful for the many ways you show up in my life reminding me that life is not just about me, but about my love for you and my love and service to others. I pray with each day; I can be better at living out this truth as your disciple. Amen.