I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. Philippians 4:12-14
While ruminating on the last few devotionals, as I tried to wrestle with the words and ideas within my spirit, I was pondering again on the concept of building the spiritual foundation in our lives. I can’t deny that I have glaring weaknesses, insecurities, fears, and inabilities to really feel up to actually doing any kind of spiritual ‘ministry’. But then I realize it’s not about my weaknesses it’s about my focus. Am I busy looking at myself or am I focused on Him and doing what He has asked me to do? Will I really find the solution to all of my issues WHILE I am diligently trying to do what He has asked me to do?
I think of the disciples sent out by Jesus two by two to do the work of the ministry. (Luke 10) Were they ready? Did they have all of their doctrines straight? Did they have all of the concepts Jesus was teaching fully understood in their minds? OR did they just have to DO what He asked them to do. They needed to just follow His instructions.
Then I thought if I’m so focused on me — and my own deficiencies instead of focused on the instructions He has given me — I’m basically in a ‘selfish’ mode. I pondered why we are to go through this life / world that has so many obstacles and pain? Is it to learn how to be ‘unselfish’? Like Christ who poured out His own abilities and took our form as human? His was the supreme act of unselfishness. What is the pursuit in my life? Is it all about my goals, wants, and needs? Or is there a need to understand Him and learn how to do what He has purposed me to do FOR Him — which will be a letting go of ‘me’ and an embracing of Him IN me. That His work is through me — in unselfishness devotion and obedience to His personal instructions via the Holy Spirit.
My focus. The scripture of bringing ‘every thought captive’ (2 Corinthians 10:5) flashed in my mind. This kind of ‘all’ encompassing life lived moment by moment with the Holy Spirit. Filtering EVERYTHING through the supremacy of Christ, and allowing the Holy Spirit to dictate my steps, instead of what I think needs to happen. That kind of life has nothing to do with my lack, and everything to do with Him.
This morning I wrestled with this whole concept of — unselfishness, and how important it is to our spiritual foundation and growth in Him. IS this life the testing grounds to learn these deeper concepts that come from the Father’s heart? The enemy only thinks of themselves and NEVER what the Father wants. The enemy sees the Creator as selfish, where as in Truth… Jesus is His heart and example of supreme unselfishness. Are we not to become like Jesus? Allowing Him to permeate every cell and thought within us?