The Beauty of Selflessness

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself…

Romans 15:1-3(a)


I read a great quote today that said, “Learn to love without condition. Talk without bad intention. Give without any reason. And most of all, care for people without any exception.” It reminded me that as the world shelters in place to avoid contact with the COVID-19 virus and its spread we need to pray for and celebrate the lives of those who are on the front lines, those who knowingly put themselves at risk each day, their health and well being so as to put others needs above their own. They are the hero’s today and like you, I thank God for them!

Selflessness is the model of Christ and is reflected by the members of His church who live and move and have their being in Him. The beauty of “selflessness” is that it cuts across all lines as it "unsettles" many believers and unbelievers alike and their "secular and scientistic worldview." The life of faith is no easy life, and when lived out though it’s not a lifestyle most would choose to live because of the sacrifices it requires its the only life truly worth living for the simple fact its life giving!

If you are like me at all you want to make a difference for Jesus in the midst of this pandemic. You are looking for ways to serve others knowing as you do you “unsettle the secular and scientistic worldview.” After all, why would anyone risk their own life to provide food or assistance to total strangers, many who never even say thank you in return? Because that’s exactly what Jesus did for me and you, that’s what love does day in and day out. Here are some things you might consider. Buy food for a family in need. Visit widows and orphans in their hour of despair. Lend a hand where someone needs help because the longer this coronavirus goes the greater the needs around us will be.

Like many of you I have read with much interest the national state and local guidelines surrounding the COVID-19 virus. As a church that falls under more than one of the states guidelines as a place where people can come to serve, I am excited for the small part our church gets to play in reaching and serving people in the midst of this pandemic. As an IT provider we are permitted to gather daily to broadcast and livestream our services via the internet to individuals and families who are sheltering in place at home. That means our IT and sound team are authorized to come to the church. As a church and a member of our communities health care system, we are able to offer religious services to people in need of counseling and support. That means our pastors and counselors can be on campus to help stressed out and anxious people.

Because we have a commercial kitchen on our church campus we are able to cook and provide meals for families in need. That means we can utilize people’s gifts and talents who can cook and prepare meals to serve. As a church with a kitchen we are also able to gather food items and place them in bags and deliver them to shut-ins and the elderly as well as individuals who are sick or who have compromised immune systems and have no other resource available. Almost anyone can be a servant and help out doing that! The list goes on and on regarding the opportunities for the church to come together and do what the church was called by Christ to do, to be selfless and care for one another.  

There really is no shortage of opportunity to come together with our governments blessing. What’s almost funny now is its almost as if our government is telling churches that they just don’t want churches risking public health and safety by gathering weekly in groups to hear a message and then to go home and do nothing with what they just learned. They figure people can do that by listening on line without risking other people’s health. And on that point I couldn’t agree with our government more.

On the other hand government knows society can’t shut down as the country can’t run itself. Someone has to work, someone has to serve and guess what, God has called the church to be that someone! We get to work, we get to serve, as the church is and has always been called to be on the front lines. So, if you are looking to serve like Jesus did, the opportunities are unprecedented, right in front of you like never before! Remember, you don’t need a reason to help people, they do! Pray and ask God where it is that you can best use the gifts He has given to you to be selfless and change the world one life at a time!

“fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:2-4

I LOVE YOU!