"I"
"I" - what a strong word for just being one letter! It's an "I" world that we live in. A "gotta watch out for number one" kind of world. It's the motto that many live by.
This "I" mentality is something that everyone struggles with. We were all born with sinful natures and we all must come to that realization in our own way. God brings each of us to that reality in His time, in His way. We then must choose to accept His truth and set aside "I" lifestyle. It has no place in the life of a Christian or in the Christian Business Place.
In following the example that Jesus set for us, we are to "consider others better than ourselves" (Philippians 2:3). This means that we are to think of how we can benefit others, not how they can benefit us. We are to set ourselves apart from the worldly way of doing business and this is one of the major ways that we can accomplish that.
This also pertains to life at home. There are many days that I struggle with my sinful desire to do what "I" want to do that day instead of considering what my daughter is asking me to do (mainly puzzles these days). I do not mean that every time one of our children asks us to play with them we must drop everything and go. There is a balance for every aspect of life, just as for this aspect. What I do mean is that we need to take into consideration whether we are legitimately taking care of business needs or if I am simply doing what "I" want to do.
Consider the story of Mary and Martha. Here are two women both wanting to please Jesus. Who does Jesus commend? The one who keeps herself busy and does what she thinks is correct? No, he commends Mary who takes the time to realize that what she might want to do might not always be the best thing. She takes the time to sit at the feet of her Savior and listen.
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42.
Take the time to seek the Lord and to consider how you can put others before yourself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Hart is the author of the e-book, 2 Weeks Devotional Journey for Christian Work at Home Moms, and the founder and editor of Christian Work at Home Moms CWAHM.com. This site is dedicated to providing work at home moms with opportunities to promote their businesses while at the same time providing them spiritual encouragement and articles. E-mail Jill at jill@cwahm.com for additional information or stop by her site at www.cwahm.com.
This article is free to reprint if the Author's Bio remains in tact. For additional articles, please contact Jill Hart.