Selfishly Unselfish

Our culture is promoting a lifestyle that is ruining America. TV shows, music, talk shows, contests, radio, etc. are all encouraging the focus and concentration on one person- ME. Think about it. Facebook is all about telling others about ME, showing the world MY pictures, MY thoughts, MY favorite links. ME, ME, ME. The Christmas ads are now targeting the notion of buying one for yourself and maybe one for someone else. Christmas isn't about buying presents for yourself! It is about the birth of Jesus, the one who came to the world selfless and perfect. And, here I am writing a blog all about ME and MY experiences, going on and on about how all of this is effecting ME. Well, it's time I refocus. It's time I am humbled and reminded that sometimes, God has us go through little while times for OTHERS and not ourselves.

My Pastor shared a message called the Christmas Little While Times, and something was brought to mind that I had never thought about before. I have heard the Christmas story a billion times, from hearing it a church to watching the Charlie Brown Christmas. But, I had never paid attention to some of the most important characters in the story- the Shepards. See, the Angel came to the Shepards and told them about Jesus coming. Why was it important for Shepards, the low lives of the culture at the time, to come see the newborn King? It was all a part of God's plan. A plan that neither Joseph or Mary could understand. As pastor pointed out, if Jesus had been born in a palace, where a King should have been born, the Shepards wouldn't have been allowed to meet him. Instead, Jesus had to be born in a place in which the Shepards could actually come to, and fulfill the words of God spoken through the Angel. What does that mean for us? Why should that be important? Because, sometimes God has to put us in places in our lives in which we can reach others. Sometimes, the little while times are not just about us! Knowing that my situation and my attitude can make someones day a better day or encourage them to return to their faith makes it all worth it.

I have been reminded of this countless times in this short journey. Know that in your dark hours, others are watching you- seeing how you react, how you pull through, watching your words and actions and seeing if they really are glorifying to God like you are saying they are. As I was pondering all of this, I am reminded of a song I used to sing back in middle school. I thought it was just a pretty song, but now I am reflecting on the words. To my fellow Christians, can you answer yes to each of the questions in the song? If not, it's time we get to work on ourselves!

Do They See Jesus in Me- Joy Williams

Is the face that I see in the mirror
the one I want others to see
Do I show in the way that I walk in my life
The love that You've given to me
My heart's desire is to be like You
In all that I do, all I am
Do they see Jesus In Me
Do they recognize Your face
Do I communicate Your love, and Your grace
Do I reflect who You are
In the way I choose to be
Do they see Jesus In Me
It's amazing that you'd ever use me
But use me the way You will
Help me to hold out a heart of
compassionate grace
A heart that You're spirit fills
May I show forgiveness and mercy
The same way You've shown it to me
Now I want to show all the world who You are
The reason I live and breathe
So You'll be the One that they see
When they see me