It’s Not All About You
We have a saying in our family: “It’s not all about you.” This statement may seem harsh, but it’s not spoken with that tone. It means, think of others before yourself. As the Body of Christ, this is a good practice—especially given the tone and temperature of our culture today.
We can easily become overwhelmed by the messages and agendas of people and become discouraged by where our society and world are headed. But may we take a step back and be reminded of the fact that it’s not all about me? The life we live on this earth is now and always about Jesus and the beauty of His redemptive plan for His people.
Jesus came to Earth during one of the most tumultuous times our world has seen. The Roman Empire was in full force, conquering the known world with an iron fist. The Romans were oppressive and relentless and didn’t care who they harmed through their desire to increase the empire.
Jesus came to Earth during one of the most tumultuous times our world has seen.
However, Jesus came with a different agenda. He taught a much different message—one that was antithetical to the culture of the time. “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Jesus came with a bigger agenda, and that was to Serve mankind. This message was forefront in His teachings, but He also demonstrated love, compassion, care, and humility through His actions. Christ came to fulfill the will of the Father and not to endorse the laws of the time.
Jesus came to LOVE. And this demonstration of His love turned the culture upside down with the power of its impact. This love was an action that He said all believers who would embrace Him as their King must exhibit. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command (John 15:12-13).”
His love turned the culture upside down with the power of its impact.
The love that Jesus modeled in life and demonstrated on the cross completely changed this evil and corrupt world. Jesus’ followers not only embraced this concept but were transformed by the power of God and the character of His love. Their actions were so contagious as they cared for orphans and widows, took care of those in need, visited those in prison, practiced hospitality, noticed people who were hurting, blessed their enemies, prayed for those who persecuted them, and served one another (Matt. 25:36, James 1:27 Matt. 5:44, Rom. 12:14, Gal. 5:13, 1 Cor. 13), that the world could no longer deny the power of God’s love. They needed to either embrace it or be consumed by it! And consumed by it they were! In the 3rd Century, this polytheistic, harsh, and oppressive society adopted the gospel message of love and belief in Jesus Christ as their national religion.
We have the same chance to be world-changers for a lost and depraved generation. Jesus’ message of love is just as important and impactful today as it was 2,000 years ago. The key is, are we willing to let our actions be evident? Are we willing to lead in love, not cancel culture? Are we willing to care for those in need and not label people? Are we willing to be humble with our message, seeking bridges to win people over with love to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Practical Steps to Consider:
LISTEN: If it isn’t all about me, then may I be quick to listen to people and slow to speak. This is the key to better understanding people and not just trying to push our ideologies.
BE KIND: If it isn’t all about me, then I need to look for the best in people first. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:5-6).
BE SENSITIVE TO CULTURE: Many in our world have different backgrounds, different life experiences, and different traditions. May I lead with sensitivity, marked by God’s love for people first.
GUARD AGAINST PREJUDICE: May I guard my tongue and bias toward those who don’t look like me, talk like me, or act like me. Remember it’s not all about me… but it IS all about Jesus.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).”
“It’s not all about you”…it’s all about Love.
