4. Relationships are selfless, grow people in their pursuit for God not for me.

Are we getting the hint yet that our example as disciples is Christ…and that example is love. Sure we understand that God wants us blessed, sure we understand that He wants us whole – but eventually we have to take the position of being on e team instead of being the object of the team. The team has a mission to disciple and reach the lost. Discipleship is the teaching of Godly truths that help break the ungodly behaviors, and the ungodly strongholds sooooo that we can become on elf the disciples…discipling. Our feel good is the understanding of the relationship, not the relationship itself. That righteousness spoken of in the Word literally means right standing. It is an instant place of relational position with God. It is not earned, it is given by grace. We have a next step that includes our decision to honor with our lives. We need to embrace the passion to be more like Him in our personally integrity, and our selfless mission. The great commission was all selflessness. I was taking to a very good saxophone player recently, living the good life of traveling professional musician. I asked him what made him successful, and if there were better payers out there. His comment was huge. He said that he sees guys all the time that can outplay him in a single note, but he has something they dont. Personal integrity. He answers calls, he shows up on time, he appreciates opportunities, and he is wiling to work hard. I see that as a problem with American Christianity. We have taken the gift given to us by Christ, and we have made it a personal call service. We will do what it takes for our feel goods. Whether its financial principles, or self promotion, or simply indulging the areas in our life that make us feel good. Disciples are sent to do one thing, disciple. They go in to all the world, saving the lost and making disciples. Disciples that will go into all the world. So, I guess I am asking myself and anyone who is reading this morning – what are we doing with our lives. Are we pursuing our personal ambitions just to make sure our life has hit the pleasure mark of what we are wanting? Or are we laying aside our plans, understanding the need for saving that which is lost…truly reflecting the life of Christ. His sacrifice was not just in dying on a cross, it was in the entire existence of His fleshly living reflecting God. It was the EVERYday denial of what HE may have wanted so that He could grow those around Him…selflessly.

God, in my conversations, attitude, responsibilities and heart today – help me to be selfless in everything. I am Yours.
B