As a construction project manager I deal with many different people every day. With people of different ages and genders, different trades and occupations, different cultures and languages, different layers of society, different world views and religions. The great majority of them are very good and hard-working men and women. But, ultimately, all of them can be divided into two different groups. The group of Givers and the group of Takers.
The givers are the type of people who focused on others, when the takers – focused on themselves. These two types of people have different, even diametrically opposite psychology. The givers ask, “what should I do?“, when takers ask, “how much are you going to pay me?“. The givers think, “how can I help you?“, when the takers think, “how can I use you?“. The givers’ credo is “to offer and to serve“, when the takers’ – “to clench and to rule“.
Scripture
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. // 1 John 3:16 KJV
Observation
We as the Christians should have only one approach, only one set of mind, only one credo, – the one what God, by His own example, showed us. Our Heavenly Father offered His only begotten Son as a ransom for many (John 3:16; Mark 10:45). Our Lord Jesus Christ gave His life for us, His friends (John 10:11; John 15:15).
Jesus Christ set an example for His church. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We have to be united as one body with one heart and mind. We have to love one another, this is His commandment (John 15:12, 17). And not that type of love, love out of politeness and civility, but “the love of God“, what comes out from circumcised heart, by the Spirit (Deuteronomy 10:16; Romans 2:29): the love without pride and envy, humble and patient love, selfless love, sacrificial love, Great love.
We are approaching the times when our hearts will be attacked and our faith will be tested. We will endure to the end only being in unity and love with one another, serving and being ready “to lay down our lives for brethren“.
Application
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Are you Giver or Taker?
- Are you focusing on your own gain, or you have delight in giving to others?
- Do you love your church family?
- How do you serve in your local church or how do you serve the Lord Jesus?
- Are you ready to give your life for your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we love and glorify Your name, Lord God. We thank You for the love you showed us when You sent Your only begotten Son to die for us. We thank You, Lord Jesus, that you gave Your life for us, when we yet were sinners. We thank You for giving us new heart. We pray that the Holy Spirit will nourish our heart to grow in Great love, so we may serve one another and serve You, Lord Jesus! We pray for unity, love and peace within the body of Christ, for the greater glory of our Father who art in heaven.
All these we pray in Jesus name, Amen.
