Encouraging Word
Because of our inherited sin nature, we have an inclination to sin. Our biggest sin is that of being selfish (worshiping self) instead of worshiping God. Psalm 2:11 tells us, “Worship the Lord with reverence…” and Deuteronomy 6:13 says we are to worship only God. In Matthew 6:24 we learn, “No one can serve two masters…” and in Joshua 24:15, we read, “…choose for yourselves today whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Within each of our lives there is a cross and a throne. We are tempted to place “King Self” on the throne; however, God is to be on the throne, and we are to worship and serve Him, not ourselves.
Jesus said in Matthew 16:24-25, “…if anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his (self-centered) life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.” Naturally, we are self-centered. We desire what we want, when we want, where we want and how much we want. And if we don’t get our way, then we become upset, angry, frustrated and resentful.
What do we do? We begin with Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus talks about the greatest commandment to “love God with all your heart, mind and soul” followed by the second commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.” We need to move our focus from just ourselves and consider others as well. Look for ways to minister to the needs of others and be sensitive to opportunities to bless others. We need to ask ourselves how much of our time is spent on our “wants” compared to others “needs”?
My prayer is that I live in a way that pleases and honors God and blesses others. I encourage you to do the same.
-Tony Cooper 
Celebrating 29 Years of Service as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission
