Sphere Of Interest!

Many people are geared to speak their mind and if they have the opportunity you can bet they will do it. They will stand up for what they want and cry out until they get it. They will be persistent. They will not give up. What they want they want now and if they don’t get it they will keep on pursuing it until they wear down the one (or ones) who have the power to give it.

Reading through the last chapter of Proverbs, perhaps we have most often been drawn to consider the description of the godly woman focused on in the last twenty-two verses. However, as I read through this chapter recently I was struck by two verses which preceded this section.

We read…
“(8) Open your mouth FOR THE MUTE, for the RIGHTS OF all who are DESTITUTE. (9) Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the RIGHTS OF THE POOR AND NEEDY.” ( Proverbs 31:8-9 ESV)

What a great contrast there generally is between the pursuit of what one personally wants (or even needs) and what effort is expended on behalf of OTHERS. Are we so focused on our own lives that we forget about OTHERS’ needs? Have we drawn the sphere of our interests so tight that there is only enough room for consideration of self?

Speaking on behalf of OTHERS! “What’s in it for me?”, some may ask. That question does not even come close to the Christ-like attitude we, as Christians, have been called to emulate. To act and speak on behalf of those who cannot for themselves is a righteous (not self-righteous) thing to do. Remember how Jesus went to bat (so to speak) for the downcast and outcast of the society of that day. He also did it for us by providing the means of salvation from our sins. Do we recognize our need and the fact there is One Who speaks for us?

Paul encouraged…
“(33) Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (34) Who is to condemn? CHRIST JESUS is the one who died -- more than that, who was raised -- who is at the right hand of God, WHO INDEED IS INTERCEDING FOR US.” ( Romans 8:33-34)

As we live appreciating the One Who speaks on our behalf to the Father above, let us be encouraged to consider more than just our own interests in life. ( Philippians 2:4) In this way we will be sharing the mind of Christ ( Philippians 2:5) who came in the form of servant to bring about the salvation we could never have secured ourselves. May His OTHER-centeredness be exhibited in our life as well. He went the distance. Will we?

Have a great day PROMPTED TO LOOK BEYOND SELF!
Carl

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