Hello my lovelies and welcome to An Inquisitive Mind where Illumination flows through Christ.

Let’s get into today’s message …

Deny the flesh

I recently came across James 1:27 which the Contemporary English translation says : ‘Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. You must help needy orphans and widows and not let this world make you evil’.

I then broke this down further, into simple terms and it was very clearly highlighted to me that we need not be selfish. We are instead called to serve others and deny our flesh.

We are encouraged to do this without complaining or arguing and thus can be called His pure and innocent children (Philippians 2:13-15). Although we may be living in a world of evil we are encouraged to let our lights so shine so that others can bring glory to Him (Matthew 5:16).

We are His servants

God calls us to be set apart – as royal priests and as we are part of a Holy nation we must demonstrate this difference in our actions and behaviours (1 Peter 2:9).

In 1 Peter 2:16, we are reminded that we are servants of the Lord and no longer are we slaves but rather we are free due to the sacrifice of the son (Romans 5:8).

Although, this does not mean we can behave recklessly or use our freedom for the wrong thing but because we know better we must do better.

Be Like Jesus

Jesus completed many miracles signs and wonders and was still yet able to humble himself. We see this in many context but I wanted to focus on John 13:4-17, where we see Jesus washing the feet of His disciples.

Jesus was seen as Rabbi, Lord , radical in his methods but was held him to high esteem. Although, he lowered himself to bless others.

It was not only about the physical washing of the feet but what it symbolises – the care, consideration and compassion it would take to carry out this action. Alongside forgetting all pride and status which acts as a reminder that pride is of the flesh which we must be mindful of (Romans 12:2). This highlighted to me that there needs to be a lowering of self, expectations and consideration of others.

If Jesus can do it who do you think you are ?

We are called to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus had; caring about others more than ourselves, being humble and not prideful or jealous (Philippians 2:5).

We must forgive, love and consider others.

Just like Jesus who is our greatest examples so

…

Don’t be selfish.

Prayer

Father Lord, thank you for considering us in all things, please help us demonstrate this same care and consideration to all those we come into contact with. Please help us to not only focus on ourselves but instead to have a genuine heart for others and in doing so may we use the gifts you have given unto us to bless others. Amen x