Scripture: Matt 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Observation: By being loving and kind to one another, we serve God and obey His commands.
Application: I’m going to borrow from my wife’s children’s message at church yesterday because it really fits in here. Mary has become very astute at presenting impactful object lessons in her children’s messages lately. I think this past week was the first time she has ever asked me to get some flowers for her, but of course, they weren’t really for HER, and she ended up giving them away to all the children. I didn’t mind, it was a great message.
In her message she talked about how the Easter season had really made her realize how much she loved God, and she wanted to show God, so she had some ideas to ask the children about. She pulled out a shirt, “Do you think this will fit God?” she asked, and the children said “NO!” Then she got out a box of brownie mix, and said, “Do you think God would like some brownies?” I think some of the children were already getting the idea cause I heard a few say “I LOVE BROWNIES!” Then she got some flowers out and said “What about these flowers, how can I give God these flowers?” “Throw them up in the air.” one of the children shouted.
Then Mary explained, (lose paraphrase) “I can’t give the shirt to God, and God doesn’t really need it, and I can’t make brownies for Him, or give him flowers, but if I give the shirt to someone that needs it would that be like giving it to God?” “And if I give make the brownies for someone who’s hungry, or I give the flowers to someone who’s sad, wouldn’t that be like giving them to God?” Her scripture was not the same one that I chose hers was from Matt 25:40; But I do think they give the same kind of message.
When we serve others, we are really serving God, and by doing so we are also being obedient to His commandments and laws. Jesus said, when you treat others as you would want to be treated, you’re not only obeying the laws of Moses, but also heeding all the warnings of the prophets. Its all of God’s revelation and instruction for us wrapped up in a tight little package. Just treat each other with respect and love! If we can do that, we are pleasing God in our actions. I think that for many of us a short examination of our day to day lives would reveal many areas where we are not following that “golden rule.” It’s a simple, and basic thing, that we learned very early in life, in Sunday school, and for some of us 30 and 40 somethings even in elementary school. I can remember it on the back of those wooden rulers that we used to sword fight with. Remember those metal edges? OUCH!!
As we go through our days, lets remember the golden rule that Jesus taught us, “Do unto others, what you would have them do unto you.” Do this, and you will be doing well!
Prayer: Heavenly Father,
Help me to serve you, by serving Your Children. Help me to minister to those you place in my life and be kind, loving and understanding to all. Lord Make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred let me sow love, where there is injury, pardon, where there is doubt, faith, where there is despair, hope, where there is darkness, light, and where there is sadness, joy.
Love Michael
Yield: It’s not about me, its about serving others.
Pastor Michael's Journal 