From the desk of Pastor Jim

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to make life all about us? We like our favorite chair, our favorite foods, our favorite hymns, and perhaps even our favorite pew at church. And heaven help the unsuspecting visitor who sits in “our” spot on Sunday morning!

Yet in Philippians 2:1–13, Paul invites us to live differently. He tells us to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others. Then he points us toward the greatest example we could ever have: Jesus Christ.

Jesus had every reason to say, “Do you know who I am?” Instead, he became a servant. He welcomed people others ignored, touched those others avoided, ate with people others criticized, washed feet, forgave sinners, and ultimately gave himself for us on the cross.

The world often tells us, “Make sure people know how important you are.” Jesus says, “Make sure people know how loved they are.”

That's quite a difference!

Following Jesus doesn't mean that we have to accomplish something spectacular every day. Most of the time, living like Jesus happens in ordinary moments. It might mean calling someone who is lonely, bringing a meal to someone who is struggling, sending an encouraging card, listening to someone who needs to talk, forgiving someone who has hurt us, or simply offering a smile and a kind word.

Small acts of love can become wonderful acts of grace.

Paul gives us an especially encouraging reminder when he writes, “For it is God who is at work in you.”

What wonderful news! We aren't trying to become more like Jesus all by ourselves. God is already working within us. Sometimes that work happens slowly. We may not even notice it. But little by little, God's grace makes us more patient, more forgiving, more generous, more compassionate, and more willing to serve.

Maybe that's a good challenge for us this month: a little less me and a little more Jesus.

A little less worrying about getting our way and a little more listening.

A little less keeping score and a little more forgiving.

A little less complaining and a little more encouraging.

A little less asking, “What's in it for me?” and a little more asking, “Who can I bless today?”

And here's the joyful part: when we live this way, we often discover that serving others blesses us too. Joy has a funny way of showing up when we stop chasing after it and start giving God's love away.

So as we go through the days ahead, let's keep our eyes open for those little opportunities God places before us. A smile. A phone call. A prayer. A helping hand. A listening ear.

Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated.

Just a little less me, a lot more Jesus, and plenty of God's amazing grace. And who knows? We might even let someone else sit in our favorite pew!

Blessings and joy to you all!

Pastor Jim