“For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” -Philippians 2:21
What a stinging verse that I’m not sure I ever paid that close of attention to. Everyone? I think if I really got honest before the Lord, it means me, too. May it not be so, Jesus.
I have a sound in my spirit that is longing to find words. In summary, it’s the essence of two things: 1) it’s time for the Church in America to awaken, and 2) we must arise and take hold of these critical days in which we have been assigned. We long for revival but believe someone else will bring it. We are just fine as is. Keep pressing forward as normal, full steam ahead.
A Missed Warning
This weekend, we toured Titanic: The Exhibition in Dallas, Texas. It felt very prophetic to me as we walked through it. The warnings were so very clear to Captain Smith but altogether ignored. It could have been prevented had warnings been heeded, but pride and arrogance to be the best kept them moving forward at great speed.
Here are the “Final Moments: Ignoring the Warnings” that were summarized at the exhibit:
“On Sunday, April 14, Titanic received warnings of icebergs ahead, and smaller chunks of ice known as growlers. Still, Captain Smith was not concerned and maintained full speed. Marconi radio operator Jack Phillips received messages about fields of bergs and pack ice. At 11:00 p.m., the SS Californian radioed that it had stopped amid ice. As Titanic sailed closer toward danger, Phillips put the warning messages aside to continue sending passenger telegrams about Titanic’s grand amenities, and promising soon to be in New York.”
A Call to Refocus
Paul was writing this word to the church in Philippi, mentioning how Timothy was uniquely selfless and genuinely concerned for the well-being of the Philippian church. This was in direct comparison to others who were preoccupied with their own affairs rather than with the mission and mindset of Christ.
I believe this verse could form a framework for us as we wrestle this year with how our lives will be resituated to carry revival and prioritize Christ in all things.
- This is a call to Christ-centered abundance. We think that we are limited to the realm of possibility based on the amount of resources we have or lack. Our natural reality somehow becomes the ceiling of what God can do with us and through us. Our minds are limited in understanding. And yet do you not know that what God has dreamed for you goes beyond what you can even imagine. He has so much more for you! It’s time to shift perspective from what we see to what God has for you to do and be! Mindsets of lack and limitation are being shattered, in the name of Jesus!
- This is a call to Christ-centered priorities. In a world of individualism, Jesus modeled for us a life of love and sacrifice. In fact, if we carry our cross, it will involve sacrifice. Jesus said, “‘“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).”’”I must continually ask myself if my life is wrapped around the priorities of Christ in the Earth or my own priorities. Remember, the only thing we take with us to Heaven is people. It’s what Jesus died for in order to take us to Heaven. Our lives should flow in the same measure of priority, or we need to rearrange.
- This is a call to Christ-centered sacrifice. To live for Christ means living like Christ, who emptied Himself and gave up everything. “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8)!”
- This is a call to Christ-centered representation. Christ is inviting us to live in a radical, selfless way that reflects the heart of Christ in a very self-absorbed world. As the world becomes more self-focused, it’s an opportunity to look and sound more like Jesus.
At His feet, ask Jesus:
- Am I someone whom God entrusts with His heart, His love, His truth, and His mission?
- Does He trust me with abundance?
- Does He find me faithful in the assignments He gives me, whether small or large?
- Are my daily decisions aligned with what Jesus values?
- When I make plans, do I consider how they serve God’s purposes?
- Am I living more for comfort or calling?
The Titanic was surging forward in grand and lavish abundance, not heeding the warnings of danger ahead and adjusting course. Church, may we awaken and arise to reprioritize the interests of Christ in the Church and in the Earth, in Jesus’ name!
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