Those Bridges!

Some people go through life only focused on what they want to accomplish and what will get them to their goal. They pursue life without much THOUGHT as to how it may AFFECT OTHERS, just as long as they make it themselves. Sometimes such an approach to life is marked by the leaving of burning bridges behind. Perhaps that is why so many find it lonely at the top. The real danger with burning BRIDGES is this: What happens if one needs to back-track? Someone has said: "The bridge you burn now may be the one you later have to cross."

It is a whole lot easier to leave a BRIDGE than to have to rebuild one. If we are going the right direction, shouldn't we want to leave the BRIDGE for others to cross as well? But in case we have to back-track -- because we realize we have gone the wrong way -- it may be just as important to leave that BRIDGE. Maybe that BRIDGE even needs to be there for someone to catch up to us and pull us back in the right direction.

Are we always MINDFUL of the IMPACT our lives have ON OTHERS as we pursue our goals and press on in life? Do we live in such a way we can humble ourselves if we need to back-track? Do we live in such a way that others know we desire to aid them, so when we have a need they are also ready to offer us a helping hand?

Paul encouraged. . .
"(3) Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but IN HUMILITY COUNT OTHERS MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN YOURSELVES. (4) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." ( Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)

Yes, we have our interests. Self is not to be completely forgotten. However, our interests are not the only interests since God's interests are on those around us as well.

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul exhorted. . .
"(17) Repay no one evil for evil, but GIVE THOUGHT TO DO WHAT IS HONORABLE IN THE SIGHT OF ALL. (18) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." ( Romans 12:17-18 ESV)

So, what kind of BRIDGE worker are you? Are you the pyrotechnician who blows them up or the architect who builds them? Rather than burning BRIDGES, let's consider the importance of building them as we continue to move in the direction God desires.

Have a great day BUILDING BRIDGES to God's glory!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 04/08/1999 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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See other teEn-MAIL on Selflessness