THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OTHERS

 

The Significance of Others

 

Humility – “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

 

Paul tells us to never do anything from rivalry which means you do it because someone else is doing it.  Also don’t do something because you get recognition or a buzz.  Do not do something to get something from someone.  But in humility.  That means to do something when no one is watching.  Do not let your right hand know what your left hand s doing.  A good example was the widow woman who gave all she had to live on when others we giving from the excess.  Sacrificial giving is so important.  Humility is putting others ahead of yourself.  It breaks selfishness and greed.  Paul says that we should put others before ourselves.  Jesus did when it came to us.  In the garden He said not my will but yours be done.  Put then says we are to put the interests of others before our own.  This is what the early church did.  It change their world.  God has called us to be a blessing  Like the old song says,  “Make me a blessing.”

 

Random House Dictionary says a blessing is this.

 

The act or words of a person who blesses.

A special favor, mercy, or benefit

A favor or gift bestowed by God, thereby bringing happiness.

The invoking of God's favor upon a person.

Approval or good wishes.

 

Giving obeys God’s command

As all of God’s commands are given to enhance our lives, obeying this command will increase our happiness.

 

2. Giving submits to God’s Lordship

Every act of obedience recognizes that there is a higher authority in our lives, that there is a Lord over us who is entitled to honor and respect.  If only we could remember that Divine Lordship is not a threat; rather it’s the place of greatest safety.

 

3. Giving exhibits God’s heart

God is THE giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

 

4. Giving illustrates God’s salvation

At the heart of the Gospel is sacrificial self-giving (John 3:16). That’s why when the Apostle Paul wanted to encourage the Corinthians to give more, he pointed them to the person and work of Christ. “When we give sacrificially, painfully, for the benefit of others, we are faintly and on a small-scale preaching the Gospel message.

 

5. Giving trusts God’s provision

 

We are expressing our faith and trust in God to provide for us and our family. This is not an argument for folly, but for faith. Many Christians have discovered the joy of casting their crumbs of bread upon the waters and multiple loaves returning after many days (Ecclesiastes 11:1). It’s such a joy to see God fulfill His promise of provision when we obey Him.

 

6. Giving widens God’s smile

The Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 2:7). It delights Him to see His people gladly opening their hearts and hands to provide for the needs of His Church and indeed of all His creatures  There’s nothing that makes a Christian happier than knowing that she’s made God happy, and happy giving means a happy God.

 

7. Giving advances God’s kingdom

 

We are paying salaries of ministers and missionaries. We are funding resources for outreach, evangelism, and discipleship. But above all we are investing in the spiritual and eternal welfare of people from every nation, tribe, kindred and tongue. Our dollars are changing homes, relationships, countries, and even the eternal destiny of many souls.

 

8. Giving promotes God’s sanctification

Giving not only promotes God’s work through us, but also God’s work in us, our sanctification. Giving money, especially when it pains us, requires much self-denial and self-crucifixion. However, as every act of giving weakens and even breaks our sinful and selfish nature

 

9. Giving testifies to God’s power

 

10. Giving praises God’s character

Giving in a right spirit is an act of worship. It is rendering Him a tribute of praise. It is saying. “You gave me everything and here is a small expression of my gratitude and praise for all your good gifts.

Giving better that getting?

 

 

1. Give A Listening Ear

 

Take the time to listen to a friend or family member in need.

 

2. Use Your Resources

 

You can bake some cookies or a delicious recipe and bring some to a co-worker.  You can give an amount of money to help raise money for a cause.  You can use your connections to get someone a discount to new tires or something else.

 

3. Give Away What You Don’t Need or Use

 

4. Volunteer Time

 

You can serve food at an orphanage, volunteer time to feed the homeless, help at your church, or help someone at work.  Start with family and move on from there and see who else you can help.  Take time to do special for something for some.

 

5. Write A Note

 

I think this has been my favorite thing to receive.  Every time my students left me a note on my desk, it brought a smile to me.  When people write me a note just because and tell me something special, I feel instant happiness.  Be a blessing to someone by thanking them for something they do.  Write a note telling them what good workers they are or how special they are.  You will sure make them happy.

 

6. Use Your Words

 

There are so many people we can motivate and lift up with just a sincere compliment.  Someone may have needed a simple “you’re great at this” to feel better about themselves.  Maybe someone is having a rough day, and a compliment can brighten their day up, one word can change someone’s day into a positive one.

 

7. Lend A Hand

 

Try to do favors with a cheerful heart.  Do it because you care for them and really want to help.  Maybe someone needs you to babysit or someone needs a ride.  Cook for your spouse when they are busy.  You can be a huge blessing when someone is in desperate need for help, even at the most inconvenient times.

 

In 2008, 9-year-old Katie Stagliano brought a tiny cabbage seedling home from school as part of the Bonnie Plants Third Grade Cabbage Program. As she cared for her cabbage, it grew to 40 pounds. Katie donated her cabbage to a soup kitchen where it helped to feed more than 275 people. Moved by the experience of seeing how many people could benefit from the donation of fresh produce to soup kitchens, Katie decided to start vegetable gardens and donate the harvest to help feed people in need. Today, Katie's Krops donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce from numerous gardens to organizations that help people in need. Katie, now around 19, continues her work with the charity.

 

Whatever you do will make a blessing.  So go and do it in your world today.