MAKE IT HAPPEN FOR OTHERS

08/18/2024

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).

Selfishness is a sin, a tool the enemy uses to destroy relationships and derail God's plans on earth. It drives greed, manipulation, and even murder. As James 3:16 warns, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” In other words, when selfishness takes the lead, God’s presence and His attributes are nowhere to be found.

So, let me ask you: Are you a selfish believer or a generous one? If selfishness rules your heart, it’s a sign that you don’t truly know God. 1 John 2:15 reminds us, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Those who love the world are bound by selfishness, and there’s no room for selfishness in love. The next verse continues, “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”

The love of God within us compels us to put others first. Philippians 2:3-5 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Now, since you are not a selfish believer, who do you plan to help today? Who within your circle of influence will you assist in securing a win? Who will thank God they crossed paths with you today? By the end of today, will heaven rejoice that you are on the earth? The decision to make a difference is not up to God or the people you encounter—it’s entirely yours. You decide whether or not you will help someone feel better about themselves and more optimistic about life today.

Take a look at your calendar. Is it filled with activities that only serve you? Or have you made room to serve others? If your day is all about “me, myself, and I,” I can tell you this: You won’t move beyond your current position in life. Even if you make some progress, you’ll find yourself falling back. Jesus said, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (Matthew 20:26). To win big in life, you must help others win.

I encourage you to dedicate your life to helping others fulfill God’s plan for their lives. There’s nothing more fulfilling than being used by God to bring someone else’s dreams to pass. The beauty of this is that when you make it happen for others, God will cause others to make His dream for your life come to pass. When God inspires people to join your life’s journey, then you’re truly blessed. As Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” So, who do you have on your radar today to help secure a win?

You are blessed.

Faith-Filled Confession:

I am a love extender. Christ's love flows through me to those around me today. I am a grace extender. By my words and actions, I minister grace to everyone I encounter today.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 109-111; Romans 16