“We’ve been conditioned to focus more on our rights than on other people’s welfare. Scripture shows us another way, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to live with the selfless, sacrificial, relentless love of God in our relationships with others.”- Chip Ingram
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, . . encouraging one another.”- Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
As Chip Ingram moves on in Chapter 4 of I Choose Joy, he presents the second foundational purpose statement.
Purpose Statement #2: I am called to encourage God’s people to grow to full maturity. Certainly, Chip notes, God calls us to reach the ‘lost.’ However, God also calls us to build up the ‘found.’ Hence, we need to ask ourselves this question. How might God use every circumstance, including the toughest, to encourage other believers?
Above all, Chip asserts, that statement applies to every single believer. Because no one grows in isolation. For however you’ve grown as a believer, someone helped you achieve that growth. In addition, whether you want to or not, you do influence other people.
So, Chip asks, is your influence building people up? He explains:
“It’s important to see this as a God-given purpose and be intentional about living it out. This isn’t as difficult or time-consuming as you might think. If you live with an upward and outward focus, much of it happens naturally. People will see you as an encouraging example as you trust God in the midst of adversity without turning inward and complaining about how difficult things are.”
In conclusion, at times we fail to notice these opportunities. That happens when we focus inward or don’t understand our purpose to build up the body of Christ. Therefore, Chip exhorts, spend time thinking about your current circumstances. Whether they’re ‘normal’ or quite difficult. Consider what opportunities they present to build up a brother or sister in Christ.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help us to consider the welfare of other people rather than our rights? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The author of our difficulties?”