Daily Wisdom

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” Phl 2:7

Too many people are more concerned about making an impression rather than an impact in others’ lives. But, selfishness brings about discord.  Paul therefore stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love and serve one another in one spirit and purpose of bearing another’s cross with them. Again, it’s not about making oneself look better, but helping others to become better. This is the image of Jesus, willing to give up his eternal equalities with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the creator becoming the creation, in order to serve and meet our needs first (vs 5). This was Jesus’ attitude of choice, and should be ours. One can expect or desire to be served or you can look for opportunities to serve others.  What one chooses will either reflect the image of Jesus or self. The best thing a man can do is simply be quite and serve. When he starts complaining how and who he’s going to serve it becomes about him. It’s not about you being better, but rather helping others to become better at reflecting the image of Jesus!

The only person you should try to be better than, is the person you were yesterday!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him.” Jm 2:5

James while addressing our “serving” faith in comparison to our “saving” faith makes a strong point. But, not to bring up old wounds, maybe at onetime we’ve all been the last one chosen on the playground for group participation by the so-called more popular kids. We’ve all felt that sting of low self-worth by their standard of comparison through their choices.  But, again notice James points out that our true worth and value is described by the One who offers no respecter of person and clarifies that in comparison to worldly standards the ones who are often last picked, so-to-speak, are often the ones chosen by the Lord. Be willing to take the lowest sit and let the Lord, for His glory, bade you to come forward (Lk 14:10).  Eternal worth comes in “serving” not managing, relationships not financial security, and peace not power. Shallowness is the individual who cannot see past the apparel and appearance and see the value of a soul.  One will never make themselves eternally better by who they have around them, but only who they have within them!  One can amass the deepest wealth and have the emptiest heart, where’s the value?

Only him who is “rich in faith”, finds God’s favor!

It’s not important when you’re picked, but rather who picked you that defines your worth.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

"Beware lest any man (includes self) spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Col 2:8

Nothing is more dangerous than religious confidence in a fake god of our own imagining. Man’s mind, full as it is of pride and selfish will, dares to imagine a god according to its own capacity; as it sluggishly plods, indeed is overwhelmed with obtuse ignorance, it conceives an unreality and an empty appearance as God. What then are we worshiping except an idol of our own hearts desire of worship, whom we think the righteousness of our works pleases? In this our ignorance lies: “I’ll be happy once I attain my spiritual security in my own praiseworthy deeds and vows and ceremonies.” This claim is a false idol — a false security in the flesh — a false image of God and a false gospel and a false god altogether. This was Martin Luther and John Calvin's reformation battle, ignited by this confrontation with vain securities. The Reformers opposed images and statues and shrines and icons and relics. And today we must protest against our own heart's selfish definition or desires outside of true worship... sacrifice to God's will for our lives, not our doings! (2Co 10:5) "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

HSAY... Todd