John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
When you woke up this morning, you faced an old enemy. That enemy was not an invading army or a terrorist. It was the enemy of self.
The greatest threat to our Christian maturity is thinking of ourselves far too often. But why do we choose this route when Jesus has better things in mind? The answer lies in the enemy’s whisperings, “Go ahead, indulge yourself. You deserve to be happy.” But honestly, have you noticed how unhappy you become when you focus on yourself?
The sad truth is that the road to happiness is never-ending. The hoped-for destination is always just around the corner. When our eyes are centered on ourselves and our happiness, we become the most important thing, which is the opposite of true Christianity. The Lord would rather have us set our sights on the joy of blessing others rather than on fleeting happiness. Like infatuation is to love, happiness is to joy—happiness is emotionally powerful but short-lived, while joy is meaningful and abiding.
Today, can you and I make an agreement to let the welfare and growth of others govern our actions and words? Let’s agree to put self-interests on the back burner and be free from the tyranny of self. Jesus Christ has promised to take care of our needs. May we see to it that we love and care for those that God puts in our path.
– Pastor Jack
Click here to read all of Jack Hibbs’ Weekly Devotionals at Real Life with Jack Hibbs.
