It's hard to embrace the concept of "putting others before yourself" in this world, where self-love is so prevalent. Every where we look, we are receiving the message of what we need to make ourselves happy. As believers, we shouldn't be surprised. The Bible tells us this is going to happen.
"For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!" II Timothy 3:2-5 As I have been studying Titus 2:3-5 through this journey of Biblical womanhood, I realized why it's a hard passage to follow. Titus 2 is all about serving others. Putting others above yourself. Looking to the good of others. Humbling yourself. These things are contrary to the way our world works. My generation (and now all subsequent generations) have been taught since birth to: follow the path in life that brings you joy, do whatever makes you happy, its your life and you deserve to do all that you want to do, Unfortunately, these things are even taught among Christians and even in the church. But....this type of thinking is not what God has called us to. In fact, Scripture reminds us consistently, that we are to live for Christ, die to ourselves, and serve others in love. Ladies, the world will tell you to look out for yourself first, but that is not God's way. Yes, we are to take care of our bodies spiritually, physically, and mentally, for our bodies belong to God and they are His temple (I Corinthians 6:19-20). We are to be good stewards of all He has given us, but we are not to be caught up into this "self-love" mentality. Self-love indulgence is not godly, as we see clearly, in II Timothy 3. We must guard ourselves from this type of behavior. We do not want to become vulnerable to this type of teaching. "They are the kind that work their way into people's homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)" ~II Timothy 3:6-7 Before we dive deeper into Titus 2 and it's description of godly womanhood, let's prepare ourselves for living a life of putting others before ourselves. Our families are our first ministry. We must serve them and love them well. It is not always easy to deny ourselves, but the blessings of putting others first, are abundant. I am personally, challenging myself to study and memorize these verses, and asking God to help me live according to His word and seek Him first while serving, loving, and caring for those He has given me. "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace." ~ Ephesians 4:2-3 "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." ~ Philippians 2:3-4 " For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another." ~ Galatians 5:13-15 "Don't be concerned for your own good but for the good of others." ~ I Corinthians 10:24 "Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will bless you for it." ~ I Peter 3:8-9 Let us not fall into the trap of self-indulgence. Instead, let us follow God and His word. It won't be the easy path, but God's ways are always perfect. I'm praying for you! Keep reading God's word! Joyfully His, Andrea
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Happy March!
Spring is coming, Ladies, and I am looking forward to it! Sunshine, warm air, new life, and more time outside. Here is our Scripture plan for this month. March Reading Plan 1st- Hosea 5 2nd - Hosea 6 3rd- Hosea 7 4th -Hosea 8 5th - Hosea 9 6th - Hosea 10 7th - Hosea 11 "So now come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on Him." ~ Hosea 12:6 8th - Hosea 12 9th - Hosea 13 10th - Hosea 14 11th - Joel 1 12th - Joel 2 13th - Joel 3 14th - Philemon 1 "Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead! Return to the Lord your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish." ~ Joel 2:13 15th - Acts 1 16th - Acts 2 17th -Acts 3 18th - Acts 4 19th - Acts 5 20th - Acts 6 21st - Acts 7 "He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' " ~Acts 1:7-8 22nd - Acts 8 23rd - Acts 9 24th - Acts 10 25th - Acts 11 26th - Acts 12 27th - Acts 13 28th - Acts 14 "The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers." ~ Acts 9:31 29th - Acts 15 30th - Acts 16 31st - Acts 17 I'm praying for each of you this month. Keep reading God's Word! Joyfully His, Andrea |
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. " AuthorHi! I'm Andrea, wife to my handsome hubby, homeschooling mama to my 7 amazing blessings, and daughter of the King of kings. I am so glad you have stopped by my little piece of the web. My prayer is that the Lord will use this blog to encourage you in your personal, daily walk with Christ. Archives
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