Making it Personal!
Things that are not taken personally are easy to ignore. If something doesn’t relate to us (or that is how we feel) it doesn’t matter that much. It is that to which we relate to on a personal level we will devote ourselves to and expend the greatest energy and time. Such personally means something to us and therefore sustains our GENUINE INTEREST. Where there is this kind of attachment we will give whatever is needed to keep things right.
In Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he made reference to his very personal connection with these believers. We read. . .
“(7) But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. (8) So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were READY TO SHARE with you NOT ONLY THE GOSPEL of God BUT ALSO OUR OWN SELVES, because YOU HAD BECOME VERY DEAR TO US.” ( 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 ESV)
Oh, what tender expressions Paul used to describe the relationship! Being gentle. Relating tenderly like a mother to her children. The affection. The dearness. The connection was personal! It was with this kind of PERSONAL INTEREST that Paul approached the ministry he had received from Christ. He was willing to “gladly spend and be spent” ( 2 Corinthians 12:15) on behalf of others. He had a GENUINE INTEREST in others and especially the salvation of their souls. Therefore, what took place in their lives affected him very personally. (note 2 Corinthians 11:28-29)
Like Paul — and Timothy ( Philippians 2:19-21) — let us grow in more fully making the LORD’S INTERESTS OUR INTERESTS. Let us seek to make His mission our mission, valuing others as He valued them and gave Himself up for us all. Unless we make this personal, we will not be the kind of servants the Lord desires. Sharing His personal compassion and interest in others will provide the basis for righteously relating to not only one another as Christians, but also to those who still need to be drawn to Him. May we Take the Will of the Lord personally so that our connections with others will be of the most benefit to them in relation to His Divine purposes. In this way GENUINE INTEREST will remain focused on things of eternal significance even in the day-to-day activities of this life.
Have a great day RECOGNIZING THE RIGHTEOUS ROLE THAT IS OURS!
Carl
(Taken from teEn-M@il, Berryville Church of Christ http://teenmailbiblestudy.org/about.htm)
