No one came to see me. No one called me. No one sent me a card.
It seems like I’m doing all the work. No one is helping me.
I’m tired of being the one always making the first move. Let someone else make the effort for once.
I give and give and give, but never get anything back. I’m sick of it.
If I didn’t go out of my way to talk to people, then no one would talk to me. From now on I’m just going to sit back and see who cares enough to come speak to me.
I realize that sometimes we make statements like these in order to vent in moments of frustration, weariness or loneliness. But sometimes we’re just being self-absorbed. Discontentment sets in when we think we’ve been overlooked or neglected, or when we start comparing our good efforts to the seemingly nonexistent ones of others. What a dangerous and unattractive mindset!
When we are tempted to accuse others of neglect, we need to ask ourselves, “How many visits have I made this past week? This past month? How many people have I called to encourage?” Could it be that we expect from others what we aren’t willing to do ourselves? “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” (Matt. 7:3).
When we are tempted to give up because we feel like we’re the only ones making any effort, we need to inspect our motives. We shouldn’t serve for recognition or gratitude. We should serve in humility because Jesus commanded it (John 13:14, 15). We shouldn’t put forth only as much effort as we see others putting forth. We should only compare ourselves to Christ, which means we’ll keep on giving it our all (Phil. 2:5-8). Let’s not fall into the world’s mindset of selfish entitlement. Instead, let’s prayerfully and earnestly consider how we will answer when Jesus asks, “What have you done for Me lately?”
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:9,10).
Prayer for Today: Help me, Lord, fight the blinding trap of selfishness. May I always have the mindset of Your Son who was motivated by love to serve others.
Used by permission.
Life and Favor
February 16, 2012
Our guest writer is Kathy Pollard, wife of Neal Pollard, minister for the Bear Valley Church of Christ in Denver.
Kathy's book Return To Me sold out at the first printing. Contact Fortify Your Faith/Christian Courier
Publications to order your copy. Phone: (209) 472-2475.
Kathy's book Return To Me sold out at the first printing. Contact Fortify Your Faith/Christian Courier
Publications to order your copy. Phone: (209) 472-2475.
Recommended Reading:
Jackson, Jill. Has Someone You Love Turned Her Back on God?
http://holy-women-of-hope.blogspot.com/2014/04/has-someone-you-love-turned-her-back-on.html
Jackson, Jill. Does God Desire Positive Self-Esteem. http://holy-women-of-hope.blogspot.com/2014/04/does-god-desire-positive-self-esteem.html
Jackson, Wayne. The Bible and Self Esteem. https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/42-the-bible-and-self-esteem
