Word for Today, Thu, 8 Nov 2001: To Achieve? To Love?
Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>
The lesson from Neil Anderson is a good one, particularly for
those of us who are achievers. Neil asks the question: Which is
better, to be an achiever or to be a lover?
Clearly, it is possible to be both, for Jesus Christ Himself was
BOTH an achiever and a lover. But without exception, when hard
choices had to be made between accomplishing some new goal and
serving, the choice was easy for Christ, for He came to seek and
save the lost. He chose to serve.
There is a balance to be found, and it comes by understanding
what is right and true. That understanding comes from God. It
comes by reading His Holy Word, then asking God Himself for
wisdom and understanding, as well as a personal application, of
what the Word teaches.
As the Gospel of Matthew records, the most important thing of all
is for us to recognize God for who He is, and love Him with our
entire being. But closely associated with this is to love one
another. Jesus said that people would know and recognize true
believers by our love for others. Could that be why there
aren't more believers - because many who claim to believe do not
really follow what Jesus teaches - to love God and love people?
A pop song says, "To love God, love people, that's the center of
the mark". I agree. Both are vital.
Your Brother in Christ,
Brian
Reply-to: Neil Anderson <neilanderson@lists.crosswalk.com>
Subject: Neil Anderson Devotional for Thursday, November 8, 2001
Date: Thu, 8 Nov 2001 04:01:41 -0500
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N E I L A N D E R S O N D A I L Y D E V O T I O N A L
from Freedom in Christ Ministries
November 8
RELATIONSHIPS FIRST
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who
loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law (Romans 13:8).
Many people demonstrate that their need to win when trying to
resolve conflicts with others is greater than their regard for
relationships. Why is winning so important to us? Why must we
always be right? The person who is driven to win, to be right, or
to be first is insecure. Insecure people are driven to perform.
Security comes from relationships, not achievements. A secure
person is a person who is comfortable with himself and others. It
is easy to communicate with a secure person, but you often end up
clashing with a driven person. Would you rather be a lover or an
achiever? Which would you prefer your spouse, children, coworkers
and friends to be?
Relationships are more important than achievements to God. Jesus
declared that the two greatest commandments are to love God and
love people (Matthew 22:36-40). The purpose of the Word of God is
to govern our relationships with God and man. If our achievements
in life don't enhance our relationships with God, our spouse and
children, and others, then we are not fulfilling God's
commandments.
Is there ever a time when we need to assert ourselves in
conflicts? Yes, we need to stand our ground on moral issues. But
we never have the right to violate the fruit of the Spirit in
doing so. If what you do can't be done in love and self-control,
then maybe it's better left undone. And remember: Your authority
does not increase with the volume of your voice. When you resort
to shouting in conflict, you are reacting in the flesh. You have
lost control of the only person you can control: yourself.
Anyone who accomplishes something at the expense of people or
elevates tasks over relationships will sow the seeds of their own
destruction and the destruction of those around them.
Governments, institutions and organizations exist for the cause
and needs of people. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for
the Sabbath. How easy it is to turn our priorities upside down.
Gracious Lord, help me today to love people and use things, and
not to love things and use people.
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Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: http://www.geocities.com/masinick/
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