To Lay Down Your Life

February 16, 2024

Friday 

We are all created in the image of God. We have indelible characteristics that God has and were given to us in creation. God created us out of His love. He desired fellowship with His creation. We were not inconveniences to Him.

Therefore, others cannot be inconveniences for us. We are not acting in our God-given image when we consider others as bothers rather than blessings. Fellowship with each other is necessary for us to be close to God for we are closer to Him when we act in our God given characteristics.

How much does God want to have fellowship with us? That can be seen in what He is willing to do to have that fellowship. Jesus said, 

John 15:13 (NASB 2020)¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus laid down His life to heal the rift between us and God. This is the only way we could have fellowship with Him.

Laying down our lives for others is inherent in us. Maybe that's why the Bible says that it is more blessed to give than receive. As the heart of the Grinch was so small at Christmas, so is the Christian whose only concern is himself or herself. There is no true satisfaction in feeding the monster of self.

Thus, the one who amasses the greatest amount of money, gadgets, houses, accolades or physical conquests is truly ever satisfied. They lack satisfaction because they weren't created that way. That trait comes from the world which promises so much and delivers so little.

So, today is a day to lay down your life, put the inconvenience of others aside and live in the trait God created you with. Do your best to make someone smile today. Do your best to change someone's life for the better. It will draw you closer to them and to God.

Praise God that Jesus laid down His life for you!

This week's sermon: (You will need to copy and paste): https://prentis.podbean.com/e/praying-in-the-spirit/