Lynch39083@aol.com

When you wake up in the morning, who is the first person that you think about, yourself? I understand that the first rule of survival is self preservation, but in order to magnify the kingdom, it is imperative that we remember that service to others is that service to other is the rent that you pay for your stay on this earth. What is the ultimate sacrifice? The ultimate sacrifice would be putting the needs of others before your own. Let’s examine the paradigm that Jesus modeled. He allowed himself to be crucified in order to cover our sins. If Jesus gave up his life so that we may be saved; surely we can follow his example of putting the needs of others before your own. I admit that sometimes it’s hard for even me.

I have had to wrestle with my own ego, sense of entitlement, etc. We all our crosses to bear, and our hills to climb but when you have friends and family members that have you it makes like easier when you serve others, you ensure that there is an additional person in the world that will possibly be there to help us go through our trials and tribulations.

To the readers of the article, I issue you a challenge. I challenge you for each day of the next week to bless at least one person who you would normally avoid (I mean people who detest or harbor ill will towards you. In doing this you are practicing the most extreme form of love, self denial of yourself in order to bless others. Imagine if everyone in the world accepted this challenge. We would instantly reap the benefits and become the blessed community that Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed of, and Jesus Christ promised to those who are called by his name.

Also consider the reciprocity of blessing others. Many people do not realize that when you bless other people, you are in essence securing your blessings. Even the world subscribes to this paradigm, with major corporations shelling out billions of dollars to charitable organizations, usually in the form of grants, in-kind contributions, donations, etc. Why, because the publicity is good for business and also, they know that come tax season they will receive some very lucrative deductions and tax credits.

I know that in our day to day lives, we tend to look out for number one, but in order to promote the kingdom, we must stay away from our selfish proclivities. Do you want to see Jesus! Then follow his example of blessing others.

Copyright Matthew Lynch