June 9, 2026
A Christian life often means dying to self and learning to live for others. In most situations, we should strive to help others and not be on a mission to outplay, outwit and outlast. When we see our co-workers achieve recognition or even promotion, that is a time of celebration. The measurement we use to judge success needs to acknowledge achievement for one person benefits everyone. That is at the core of teamwork.
Teams are comprised of many people with a single goal. We understand it in sports. A team that practices, prepares and plays as a unit, tends to be an example of excellence that can mentor others. When we view our own performance as more important than our coworkers or team members, we’ve already struck a blow against cooperation. And when we decide God should reward us based on a single event, we totally miss the point. God is viewing our entire lives, and He is looking toward the end, toward the final results. What we see as earth shaking, and vitally important, God sees as a passing event or a lesson that is part of our growth and development.
Pride that keeps us in competition with others, is the pride that has to die. Being right, besting everyone, builds a long list of grievances we will have to explain to God. Better to discover humility and lower that balance now. How we react to our sin, how we confess it to God and repent, is the path to transparency and clear honesty. A small price to pay to be close to God.
Humility carries its own strength. Not just before God but before all others. If we are the “best” at everything, if we never had to go hungry or remember a time when we couldn’t pay all our bills, if our walls are covered with degrees and framed awards, we cannot relate with people who are deep in life’s struggles. The reason many of us have a hard time with the homeless right now is because we cannot imagine living so far outside the box of acceptable experience. I would love to see a sincere dialog between the unhoused and those who feel they are picking up all the bills for the luxury of rebellion. If we ever have that opportunity, please listen to all viewpoints. How does one get there? How do they view themselves?
The struggles we have fought comprise the training that has the power to save others. God gave each of us a measure of faith. We start with a confession God is the Father, that Jesus is His Son, that there is a plan for our lives, and He knows every hair on our heads. That is the core of faithfulness, and we need to grab hold of it and build upon it.
Trials, challenges and weakness seem like punishments, and we wonder why God is angry with us or why He has withdrawn His Grace. Count your blessings. In the worst of times, we still have so much. Celebrate life in the Kingdom of God. Love and celebrate others.
Lord God, I am so sorry I bought into the idea that life is a giant pie and if I don’t get a slice quickly, I feel cheated. I share this planet with Your other children. And with those who choose not to be counted as one of Your children. Help me see everyone through Your eyes. Help me believe there is always hope of Salvation until You say there is not. Let me be that exhorter who uplifts and celebrates victories for everyone. Teach me, Lord, to love others as I love myself and to walk with gratitude for all my blessings.
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. ... 1 Corinthians 13