December 21
Hebrews 13:1-25; 1 Peter 1:1-2:3
I want this now! Whether from the mouth of a young child in a toy store or from a grownup, we all struggle with this desire. One of the most vivid examples of this is Veruca Salt in the original Willy Wonka movie. She had a consistent focus on herself and an insatiable appetite for more. This attitude is never cute and never appropriate for God’s people. The end of Hebrews challenges us to take on a different mindset which is to be concerned for others rather than ourselves. We are told to care about people in our church, strangers, leaders, and those in prison. These include people that we may not know personally or well, people who can do nothing for us, and yet people whose needs we are to meet.
This is not just a command in Hebrews but something Jesus lived out and Peter mentions in his first letter. He says if we focus on ourselves, we will constantly be complaining about others and even grumbling against God. So, Peter wants us to have our eyes focused on God, his grace, and his goodness. Rather than self-centeredness, we are to be constantly looking to God and others as we go about our day—not wanting more for me but for others and for God’s glory.
Father God, help me to see the needs of others and your glory today. Help me to not be focused on myself but on how I can be about your kingdom work. Amen.
Why do you focus on yourself more than others and how can you better embrace the mentality of Hebrews 13?
I want this now! Whether from the mouth of a young child in a toy store or from a grownup, we all struggle with this desire. One of the most vivid examples of this is Veruca Salt in the original Willy Wonka movie. She had a consistent focus on herself and an insatiable appetite for more. This attitude is never cute and never appropriate for God’s people. The end of Hebrews challenges us to take on a different mindset which is to be concerned for others rather than ourselves. We are told to care about people in our church, strangers, leaders, and those in prison. These include people that we may not know personally or well, people who can do nothing for us, and yet people whose needs we are to meet.
This is not just a command in Hebrews but something Jesus lived out and Peter mentions in his first letter. He says if we focus on ourselves, we will constantly be complaining about others and even grumbling against God. So, Peter wants us to have our eyes focused on God, his grace, and his goodness. Rather than self-centeredness, we are to be constantly looking to God and others as we go about our day—not wanting more for me but for others and for God’s glory.
Father God, help me to see the needs of others and your glory today. Help me to not be focused on myself but on how I can be about your kingdom work. Amen.
Why do you focus on yourself more than others and how can you better embrace the mentality of Hebrews 13?
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