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It Is Not About You

Matthew 22:37-40

We all understand that Christ died on the cross for our sins. That sacrifice was about you. It was about your sins. It was about clearing your name with God. It was to free you from the selfish mindset and lifestyle you were in. Have you ever noticed that sin is about you? Galatians 5:19-21 gives a pretty good list of the nasty things that are all sins. John makes it clear that anything that is about the pride of life, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes is sin and worldly (1 John 2:15-17). All of those things are about you. It is all about what makes you happy and feel good. Sin is all about what satisfies your carnal desires. That is why temptation comes from our evil desires (James 1:13-15). When we are saved, that man has been put to death (Romans 6:1-4). If all that has been forgiven is washed away and put to death, then what is left? God and others! This time of year, we spend a lot of time thinking of others and what would put a sweet smile on their face. We do our best to give very little thought to what we want or what makes us happy. We take joy from other’s enjoyment. What if that is what we did year-round? What if we did our best to make everyday Christmas day for those around us? The fruits of the Spirit and good works would pour from us. We would be heaped in the excitement and joy of serving others. Our hearts would stay warm from the smiles of those we serve. God wanted us to be more. He wanted us to be who he created us to be. He did not want us to be a selfish carnal beast, but pure selfless, holy servants. What an excellent New Year’s Resolution for 2021. See how much joy, happiness, ease, love and peace I can bring to everyone around you every day.

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