Edification part 2
This is what I think I've kind of been stuck on: How we act should be more focused on others than on ourselves. We should esteem others higher than ourselves. We should know and believe that God has US covered, so that we can then cover each other. "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others" (Philippians 2:4). And, as always, being humble doesn't mean thinking less of yourself. It simply means thinking of yourself less. I think, really, that that's what love is: Putting others first. Doing what's best for THEM instead of trying to do what you think is best for yourself. Here's my memory verse for tonight: 1 Corinthians 10:23, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." I can do whatever I want... but that doesn't mean I should. All things are lawful for me, but that doesn't mean all things are good for me. And when I think about "all things edify not" I think about how my actions affect others. Even if I'm ok with something, that doesn't mean that everybody is. And it doesn't mean I have to shove my beliefs down anybody else's throat either. "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend" (1 Corinthians 8:13). Just because you're cool with something doesn't mean everybody else is. And if you care more about the other PERSON than the THING that you're "cool with," it should be easy to make that sacrifice. Putting others first. Showing people that they matter. You don't have to agree with someone in order to love them. And when you give them what they need, instead of what you want, that's that sacrifical, agape, unselfish, God love. That's laying your life down for your friend. And proving to them that they ARE your friend BY laying your life down for them. My own personal philosophy is live and let live. I'm not worried about what you believe, and I don't need you to worry about what I believe. I probably won't even tell you unless you ask me. And even then I'll probably make sure you don't just want to argue about it. I have no interest in arguing. Ever. About anything. You do you and I'll do me and we can get along... or not. Which may sound harsh, but it is what it is. I know I'm not for everybody. And that's ok. I can still love you. Even if it's from a distance. Now when we're talking about relationships with people, that's when we go past "live and let live" and get to the point of edifying each other. Building each other up. If you really have a problem with something I'm doing, and I can stop doing it (or at least not do it right in your face), then it's an act of love for me to give that to you. To see a need in you and meet it with my own actions. Just because I CAN do it doesn't mean I should. Especially if it's not good for me. And especially if it's not good for YOU. We really do have an effect on people. We don't know sometimes how much of an impact we have. People are always watching us. We are an epistle--or a letter--written by God to all men. So let's give people a good read. Let's give 'em something to talk about, if I can ssay it that way. Something GOOD to talk about. The gospel. The good news of God's love!