I have been instructed to please the LORD and doing so God will provide for my needs. In addition to the obvious choice of Jesus as my example, I should also do as Paul instructed those to which he wrote letters.
“32Give not offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 1Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 10:32 – 11:1 (ESV)
Paul did not concern himself with his own circumstances as was evident of his being imprisoned for doing nothing. Even in his most dire of circumstances, Paul was lifting others up so they would be rewarded. In doing so, Paul was rewarded in heaven and even in this world. We study his letters and instructions to the people knowing that they are of God.
I get bogged down in looking for the reward in the world today where I should be more concerned with building others up so they can get their rewards. I should be looking to imitate the life of Paul and the way he concerned himself with others even as he suffered for them as he did. What can I do to be sure that others are taken care of well before myself?
I think that is it. What you say is it? I should take care of others before myself. I should not be concerned with winning the race. I should not concern myself with leading the pack. I should be working each day to aid others in their search and quest for reaching the pinnacle. I should be working to please others and not concern myself with how I will be rewarded. I will be rewarded, much like Paul, in heaven.
How much do you concern yourself with victory? Do you find yourself putting your own reward over that of those around you? What if you were to please others and not concern yourself with your own reward?
Trevor's Thoughts 