Reading your Bible for Today January 12

January 12: Philippians 2:1-4

KJV Key Verse: Philippians 2:4
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Devotion:
One thing we are all taught from an early age is to be kind, but just where and when should we act upon this. The answer is surprisingly simple, we need to be kind at all times. This, unfortunately is something we do find hard!

The one thing that will always get in our way is pride. Where there is pride, there is room for nastiness. Being in control of our pride is something we may not ever fully achieve, but something that we have to aim for. Whilst there is nothing wrong in being proud of oneself for doing things which are good, our minds begin to work overtime and start to compare our own actions with others actions. It is at that stage where we allow ourselves to start judging others according to our own proud ways we fall flat on our faces!

If you want to end a relationship quickly (not that anyone should end a good relationship) just try showing up your partner for doing something you would not do. They will soon feel bitterness towards you and a huge wedge is then driven between you and them. Pride on each side will drive that wedge deeper and deeper until you no longer can stick it out! If you, however, were with someone who was like-minded, they would not dream of doing those sorts of things anyway!

Christ came to earth and put aside all pride. He lowered himself to our level just so He could show us His endearing love. He wanted to show us by doing that, He could express His love at our level allowing us to see it. He wanted to show that being like-minded with the people around Him would build up a strong bond. It did not mean He gave in to our ways – far from that. But it did mean He allowed us to see the truth and to have the chance at being of a similar temperament to Him whilst He was here. If we can aim towards His loving kindness towards others and to allow it to grow in our lives, we too will find just how wonderful friendship can be.

Points to Ponder:
Do you mix with people who are totally different to you?

Christ came to show us the way, try to be more like Him!