“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Philippians 2:4 King James Version)
As commanded, the smart device in the kitchen played, “When We All Get to Heaven.” The first rendition was very slow and a little bit, well, country. So, I commanded the device to play the same song by a well-known gospel mass choir. Their version was a little bit peppier, livelier, and upbeat. It made me reflect on how I got caught in up the joy of the assurance communicated in that particular song as I led a family out at the homecoming of a loved one. I was so caught up with the good news in the song that I walked down the narrow aisle of the church at too fast a pace for the 90-year-old mother who was holding my arm. Bad Mark! I was guilty of not being considerate and I certainly felt apologetic. But I learned a lesson from that experience. What was the lesson? Read the next paragraph and you will find out.
I learned to remember that it’s not all about me. I learned how important it is that we as believers must consider others who are traveling along with us as we walk down the narrow path of righteousness. Furthermore, I learned not to leave anyone behind and not to overlook that we, as believers, have to be patient with others who are not at the same readiness level. They will get where you are going, but we should not force them to be where we are immediately. Just feed them and before you know it, they will be moving at a pace faster than you and me. This is especially true for children, youth, and young adults who have just become sincerely serious about their spiritual walk. Rushing one’s development can end up in pushing them away.
Say it aloud, “It’s not always about me!” Have a great day! Be blessed!
“Love is patient, love is kind.” (I Corinthians 13:4a New International Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
It is a good point to be careful of being caught up in our own praise and worship of the good news that we neglect to bring others along. There are so many that are not ready to proclaim His name in the presence of others. I am thankful though, that I wasn’t the 90 year old trying to hold on to your fast-paced movement.
Yes, let us not neglect! If only some would recognize His name as used in the Bible. BTW, I referred to Ra’ah in my sermon for this Sunday.