janbear
01-29-2007, 12:18 PM
What's in It for Me?
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
Exodus 21:22, Matthew 19
Key Verse: Matthew 19:27
The struggle to keep oneself in check can rear
its head at the most inappropriate times. A young
man came to Jesus asking what he needed to do to
get eternal life. He was wealthy and probably
thought that, like success, eternal life was
something he could achieve or buy.
This man's soul hung in the balance. His seeking
had forced him to look at his own values. At that
point in his life, however, things meant more
than the life Christ offered.
Then the discussion turned to the question of who
can be saved. Seemingly out of nowhere came
Peter's inquiry, "We have left everything to
follow you! What then will there be for us?" (v.
27).
Christ's response was most gentle considering the
conversation had turned away from salvation to a
question of rewards. There are rewards coming.
But Jesus cautioned, "Many who are first will be
last, and many who are last will be first" (v.
30).
Those who try to be at the head of the line
ultimately will find themselves at the end. Our
service is not to be done with a "what's in it
for me attitude" but out of love for Christ.
Next time you have the opportunity, go to the end
of the line. Ask Jesus to help you let others go
first because you love them.
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
Exodus 21:22, Matthew 19
Key Verse: Matthew 19:27
The struggle to keep oneself in check can rear
its head at the most inappropriate times. A young
man came to Jesus asking what he needed to do to
get eternal life. He was wealthy and probably
thought that, like success, eternal life was
something he could achieve or buy.
This man's soul hung in the balance. His seeking
had forced him to look at his own values. At that
point in his life, however, things meant more
than the life Christ offered.
Then the discussion turned to the question of who
can be saved. Seemingly out of nowhere came
Peter's inquiry, "We have left everything to
follow you! What then will there be for us?" (v.
27).
Christ's response was most gentle considering the
conversation had turned away from salvation to a
question of rewards. There are rewards coming.
But Jesus cautioned, "Many who are first will be
last, and many who are last will be first" (v.
30).
Those who try to be at the head of the line
ultimately will find themselves at the end. Our
service is not to be done with a "what's in it
for me attitude" but out of love for Christ.
Next time you have the opportunity, go to the end
of the line. Ask Jesus to help you let others go
first because you love them.