We sang this song during worship this week…
Now, between church and the radio, I have sung this song at least a hundred times. I have actually been working on signing this song, so I am familiar with it :)
I usually focus on the comfort it brings during hard times. But Sunday I was totally convicted as I sang this part:
That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior
I know this is not a new concept, I’ve heard our Pastor talk about it many times before. Christ left the comfort and position of Heaven, of standing at God the Father’s right hand, to come to Earth, to put on sinful flesh, live a perfect life, and die a horrible death, taking on all our sins, because He loves us. And me, I don’t even want to get out of my chair to serve my family, or pour some juice, or clean the kitchen. I want to follow my own agenda, to get the things accomplished that I want done. I am SO lazy!
And so, I remember that I am not the sole human to ever felt his way.
18For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
19For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
Romans 7:18-19
Paul struggled with it too! But he also gave us some encouraging words to strengthen us.
24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
26Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
27but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9: 24-27
Our lives must be a study in self-discipline. Bottom line, once again, say it with me now,
“It’s not about me!”
But it is all about Him, and serving Him wherever He has placed us, whether on the mission field in a foreign country, or on the mission field in our own homes and communities. Daily, I must remind myself, “It’s not about me!” I must take myself out of the “Number One” place and put God and His will, for me, there.
I totally agree with you on this! It’s something I’m struggling with right now!