Anti-American

This has to be the most anti-American sentence in the Bible:
Philippians 2:3–5 (NLT) Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.


Considering the latest cover of Time Magazine, highlighting the "Me Me Me Generation" of Millennials who are the most inwardly focused self-centered generation of our history, this verse seems to fly right in the face of that sentiment.

But all hope is not lost.

Paul lets us know that four key ingredients make this possible:

Philippians 2:1 (NLT) Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

First ingredient: Belonging to Christ.  When Christ owns you, things have a way of changing.  Hearts hardened become soft.  Lives committed to self, seek to serve.

Second ingredient: Comfort from His love.  It is the Love of Christ that changes a generation.  Look at the 1970s!  On the heels of one of the most idolatrous and hedonistic generations, Jesus comes in and resurrects the country by grabbing the hearts of hippies the 1960's produced!  I love how God regularly proves He rules.

Third ingredient: Fellowship together in the Spirit.  The Holy Spirit of God is stronger than any self-centered voice in any generation.  Eventually the idols of self fall in on us and we come to realize we need relationships that are beyond just acquaintance and assistance.  We need fellowship.

Fourth ingredient: Tender and compassionate hearts.  Made tender by the sacrifice of Christ and compassionate by His example.

I have hope for as long as Christ is Lord.  Forever, the Kingdom of God's glorious Son will be empowered to represent Him on this Earth until He comes again. 

PRAYER:
Father, I put my trust in You.  I ask for the Holy Spirit to come and enlighten our hearts to do your will and become like Jesus.  

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