Being in the world I am fortunate to see all of the differences there are. We are from different cultures, societies, countries, backgrounds, upbringings, and times. Each of those differences are important to those that are in them. From a country, heritage of that country is important. From a culture, that culture is important. From a different time, that time is the best time and should be remembered.

It is important to remember that we are from the same world and that world is important. This is where the sameness is in the picture. When in a community, I have to work for that community. When in an area I have to respect and remember that area as important to someone. I have to remember the differences so as to positively impact the difference that I am experiencing.

Instructions are provided for me to remember that whereas I am different and have a different role of function, I am still a part of the same group.

“⁴For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, ⁵so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ⁶Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:…” – Romans 12:3-6 (ESV)

I see here that we are all in it for the same reasons. I have certain gifts that God gave to me and I should be using those gifts to impact my brothers and sisters in Christ. I have to embrace the gifts of my brothers and sisters in Christ as they use the to impact me and my brothers and sisters.

I will say that I am exhausted by the pictures of divisiveness that are a part of this world. I believe it was Rodney King that is credited with the phrase, “Can we all just get along.”

When you look into your surroundings, are you aware of the differences that are present? How is it that you react to those differences? What if you embraced those differences as a means to achieving the same goals?

This morning I am studying in Philippians of Christ’s example of humility as I continue looking at equality.

“⁵Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” – Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV)

Here we have Paul explaining the ultimate humility of Christ. How great is Jesus that He gave up His seat in heaven to become human and experience what it is that we experience.

I find it interesting in the world when we have events that go on in the world and those that do not find themselves as a part of something, implant themselves in that something so that they are somehow looked at as being a part of that. One day does not provide the understanding of a lifetime. Jesus humbled Himself to the point that He spent a human lifetime experiencing all that was human. And He did so to demonstrate His equality to me.

Jesus was both Son of God and “Son of Man”. Equal in both roles. I have to remember that I can be equal with all, and should act as such each and every day, as opposed to looking for the divisiveness that is the differences in the world. Those differences are just what it is that makes us equal to each other in the first place. My differences are synonymous with your differences and yours with your neighbor. We are different so that we are alike. I am sure that most of us have heard this before: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal”.

How do you look at those around you? Do you consider yourself different and somehow above or below others? Are you able to understand those differences as making you equal to them?

I find it interesting that there is a continue reference to God when speaking of the higher power and when referring to Jesus there is greater upheaval. Jesus is the Son of God and I do believe that there is comfort in seeing Him that way. But, Jesus is also the Son of Man and that is where things get uncomfortable. So Jesus is God and “Man”. When said that way, it is raises difficult feelings as it did with the Jews when Jesus walked the earth.

“¹⁶And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. ¹⁷But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is working until now, and I am working.’ ¹⁸This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” – John 5:16-18 (ESV)

What a difficult position to be in for the Jews. Jesus was not only doing work during a forbidden time, but He was also “claiming” it was okay based on being the Son of God. What a foreign concept for them. This was different and confusing and they immediately began to reject it.

I can certainly see how this would be confusing and create mixed feelings and emotions. I have to think about where society is today. There are many things going on that are outside of what we grew up with and that is driving the confusion and mixed feelings and emotions based on that which is outside of what is known. I can see how the Jews felt by being confronted with Jesus and His identifying as the Son of God when clearly He was also human as he walked with them.

Just because the Jews had not experienced something before, did not make themselves right and Jesus wrong. This was foreign to them and would take time for them to understand and grasp.

I have to remember that I am going to continue to encounter things that I am not familiar with and people that are different. Jesus and God being equal is something that has been for over 2000 year and yet still difficult to understand. There will be those that will make claims and statement that I do not agree with or have not heard before. These do not make them any less false, they are just different that what I “know”. It is up to me to treat them as equal and work to understand them and their thoughts. I am not placed on this world to judge, that task is for God and Jesus and Jesus states:

“²²The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,” – John 5:22 (ESV)

Foreign to me does not mean incorrect, just as the concept of Jesus and God being equal was foreign to the Jews (and even today). It is up to me to listen and work to understand as opposed to simply claiming as incorrect and standing firm on my position.

What have you encountered that is different than you “know”? What is the attitude you take into those instances? Are you willing to accept as simply foreign and not incorrect?

I look at equality and the conversations had in this world about that equality and have realized that it is a simple thing that remains extremely confusing.

In Luke Chapter 20 verses 27-40, Jesus is questioned about the law and how that translates to the resurrection. A valid idea to question, when your motives are understanding. But, when the question is centered around the motive of catching someone in a “lie” or manipulation, the idea loses its luster.

The Sadducees crafted a scenario that could happen, although the likelihood was not realistic. This scenario was devised to catch Jesus off guard to undermine His teaching.

“²⁹Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. ³⁰And the second ³¹and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. ³²Afterward the woman also died. ³³In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For seven had her as wife.” – Luke 20:29-33 (ESV)

Whereas possible, this scenario is not likely. I can see where they are strictly asking trap Jesus. His response is irrefutable.

“³⁴And Jesus said to them, ‘The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, ³⁵but those who are considered worth to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given to marriage,’” – Luke 20:34-35 (ESV)

I find myself asking God about simple items that I have created too much complexity around. As I read this morning I am reminded that the answers to God are simple. I make things more complicated and confusing that they really are.

“³⁶for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.” – Luke 20:36 (ESV)

Jesus cleared things up for the Sadducees by stating the simplicity that is overlooked. The resurrection is for the living in God. Therefore the dead of this world are not of this world any longer. They are now of the living as like the angels and simply do not adhere to equality as defined in this world. And at this, the Sadducees then stopped asking questions of Jesus as they were taken aback by the simplicity of His response in the midst of their confusing thoughts.

I have to remember that it is me who makes things more confusing than they should be. I have to accept that what is happening is happening because God planned it that way and it is my job to continue working for Him and the plan laid out for me by Him.

For you, what simple questions are you making out to be more confusing? Are you looking to understand, or trick to prove a point? What if you took that confusion and looked for the simplicity of equality instead?

I have many people that I consider friends that are my equals. I am also, however, leery of those “friends” based on the treatment I receive from them.

“¹²For it is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. ¹³But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend.” – Psalm 55:12-13 (ESV)

I feel as though I am not treated kindly. I feel as though I am not treated fairly. I feel as though I am the one doing it wrong. But, when I read God’s Word each morning, I get the sense that I am only following the Lord and I am being persecuted for simply doing things differently from those around me. I have been been loving those around me and being rejected, for doing since they may simply not understand someone loving with no expectation of reciprocation.

I wonder regularly what I have done to deserve treatment as such and then I feel like it is not me but those and that I should continue with my actions from love. It is HARD to continue doing when persecution is where friendship should be.

“¹⁴We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.” – Psalm 55:14 (ESV)

I have to stay firm in my faith and remember that my counsel with God is far more important that the counsel of those around me. I am indebted to the Lord and not those around me. Those around me are those I am charged with reaching for God. I have to remember that they will not be receptive to that which is foreign to them and that causes them to revolt. I have to remember that God will only place me in situations He knows I can handle and will remove that which is of no use or good to me. Therefore, the persecution I get from my “friends” must be that which is there to make me stronger.

Do you find yourself persecuted? How much comes from your “friends” or those close to you? Think about your equals, and are the somehow your enemy as well?

I am human.

“¹For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. ²He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.” – Hebrews 5:1-2(ESV)

I was chosen by God and accepted His gift of salvation. I have to remember where I come from in order that I may impact the lives of others. I am best suited for this job, as I am human and understand what I went through, enabling me to see what others may be going through.

Jesus was human.

“¹⁴Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” – Hebrews 4:14-15 (ESV)

Jesus was chosen by God and came to this world to experience my plight and demonstrate the love of God for me. Even though He walked like me in the world, He never sinned. He was tempted like me, He never gave in. Yet, He sacrificed Himself for me.

I am human and a sinner. Jesus sacrificed for me as He needed not to sacrifice for Himself. I sacrifice for others, and yet still must sacrifice for myself.

“³Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.” – Hebrews 5:3 (ESV)

When you are out in the world, are you aware that you need sacrifice as well as those you are working for? Are you thinking of others and forgetting about your own sinful nature? Will you sacrifice for others and yourself?

People are generally very gracious and generous. I have seen crowd funding for those in need that far exceed the original goal. I have a neighbor that had an emergency at their home and the community provided for them at an instant without question or thought to the sacrifice of those providing. I have personally had a friend drive 30 miles out of his way to pick me up on the side of the road when my car broke down. People will give when called upon to do so.

“¹⁸I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you send, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” – Philippians 4:18 (ESV)

In this verse, Paul tells of the provision that was supplied to him by the Philippians as he spread the gospel. Paul is clear that he received the gifts and they were useful to him as he continued.

Ours is to accept the gifts that have been presented and be thankful for them. As the receiver, I do not know the sacrifice of the giver to provide for my need. I have no say in what I receive.

I don’t know that the giver is going without so that I do not have to. Although sometimes I do, as with the example of the friend that came to pick me up. He was missing the very baseball game I was headed to as spectators for our sons as they supported the playoff team as freshman on the varsity squad with the chance they could get in the game. He came anyway.

I have to only be thankful for the gift and know that there may be more to it than what I see on the surface. Whereas it may be seam to be a simple gift of time, a meal, or a ride, the impact to the giver may be much greater than I could have imagined.

“¹⁹And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

And part of my thanks for the provisions supplied in my need, I should be asking for and letting the giver know that my God is thankful for their generosity and that He will provide for their needs when the time comes.

When you are in need, what are your thoughts about the gifts you receive from others? Are you questioning the why or what they gave? Are you thankful for what may have been a sacrifice the giver experiences?

“¹Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. ²And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)

I am a child of God and I am to imitate Him. I am to love and love and love. I am to give of myself as a sacrifice to God and as a demonstration of love.

Jesus came to this world for one purpose and that was to sacrifice Himself for us. He walked and did the work of God for His time here until the time was for Him to die for our sins so we did/do not have to die. I am brother to Jesus and therefore my actions should be the same. I should be walking this world doing the work of God until it is my time to go home to heaven. I am to walk in love, sacrificing self for the good of others.

Thank you God for pointing me to your Word and specifically these verses as the reminder of the actions that I should be taking and how I should be acting here in this world. I have to continually remember that I am not here for myself and my task is to follow the direction you give and impact the lives of others through the sacrificial walk in love.

I know that I will continue to stumble on this path and I will fall down, skin my knee, but when I look to You, I will get back up and continue on the path to You. Lord, I honor You with my presence and I know that this walk is one that You will give the strength for me to undertake. I know that it is not natural as man to sacrifice myself, and only through Your strength am I able to complete the tasks that you ask me to do.

“¹I love you, O Lord, my strength.” – Psalm 18:1 (ESV)

What are you here in this world for? How are you making it through? Are you walking in sacrificial love?

When I look at what God has commanded of me, I can only think that in order to accomplish those, I have to have given a lot to God and denied myself. And that is sacrifice.

“¹I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1 (ESV)

“Living sacrifice” is an interesting take. As I think of what a sacrifice is, I think to the death of something for the life of something else. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were killed and offered to God. They died as a representation of something or as a gift.

Paul refers to “living sacrifice” to indicate that there is no “death” associated with our work for Christ. I was spared the horrible death by the death of Christ. I am given the opportunity to continue doing for my God without the fear of dying for absolution or as a gift of my loyalty.

I get to “live” as a representation of the love that God has for me. I get to do the work of Christ here in this world, knowing that my reward is in heaven. I was absolved of my sin and can now focus on the good I am able to bring through the love of Christ each day. I am a child of God and He will protect me from death to be sure that I have every opportunity to live for Him and demonstrate His love to those around me. I AM A LIVING SACRIFICE!!!

Are you dying trying to get absolution? What is your mission/purpose here in this world? Will you accept that you can be/are a “living sacrifice” to God?

I have been through a number of situations where the actions I took were misunderstood to the point that I was accused and treated as though I had done something wrong.

“⁹He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, ¹⁰said in a loud voice, ‘Stand upright on your feet.’ And he sprang up and began walking. ¹¹And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!’” – Acts 14:9-11 (ESV)

Paul and Barnabas where preaching the Gospel and as all were hearing the words, this man who was healed believed. The people saw the actions of Paul and misunderstood them to be the actions of the gods they worshiped.

Paul was only doing the work God had tasked him with, and yet he was misunderstood to be a god himself. Paul and Barnabas ran into the crowd to only claim their human nature and that they preached the Word of God, yet the people refused to believe and went about their ceremonies and rituals.

“¹⁸Even with these words, they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.” – Acts 14:18 (ESV)

I have to understand that the Will of God will not be understood by all people. I can only do the work that God has tasked me with and continue to display Him in all that I do. There are going to be a vast majority of people that do not see what the that the work I do is for God. There are going to be plenty of people that misunderstand my actions. There are going to be those that hear my words and are not clear as to the meaning and reasons for them and place them with something they know causing them to misunderstand. Even when I may speak directly to the misunderstanding, they may still have difficulty believing.

My duty is simply to continue doing the work that God has given me and know that He will care for my well being just as He did for Paul.

What are your actions saying about your relationship with God? Have you been misunderstood? What should you do based on your relationship with God and the misunderstanding of those actions by those around you?