For others

“Make my way prosperous, not that I achieve high station, but that my life may be an exhibit to the value of knowing God.” Jim Elliot

Jim Elliot was a missionary in Ecuador that literally gave his life for others. The quote above says it all about his mindset, and his life is an “exhibit to the value of knowing God.” Check out the movie about his life, End of the Spear, to grasp his devotion to his life mission which was all about other people.

God calls us all to live for others, but man has an innate desire to make their name great.

Not long into the reading of the Bible, in Genesis 11, Scripture does not tip toe around the desire of the hearts of the people in Babylonia.

Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city for ourselves with a tower that reaches into the sky. This will make us famous and keep us from being scattered all over the world.” Genesis 11:4

The people wanted to build a great city with a tower to make themselves famous. They desired notoriety, to be known by all as incredible people that built an incredible city and tower. “Let’s build for ourselves” was the rally cry.

And, this rally cry has only gained momentum through today. From materialism to job title to our family and children, we desire for our name to be great. The desire is for everyone else to hold us on a pedestal. And, social media has added fuel to the fire with all generations. The tower mentioned in Genesis is disguised by an online persona that we create.

But, God calls us to a life for others.

Right after the story above, God uniquely calls Abram in Genesis 12.

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-3

God tells Abram to leave his country, and He will bless him. There are some great blessings in these verses that might capture our attention. But, notice the reason for the blessings, so that Abram “will be a blessing to others.” Abram was blessed to be a blessing.

When we think of blessings today, our minds may immediately go to material possessions, a winning football team, health, or a job. All of these can, of course, be blessings from God. But, Jesus was sent to be the ultimate blessing (Acts 3:26). The blessing is the cross. Sure, we may receive earthly blessings as defined by man or we may not, but this has nothing to do with eternity. The blessing is Jesus.

And, when we receive this blessing, a life lived for others naturally ensues. When one understands the grace given from a holy God, one naturally offers grace to the world. True faith is backed up by works for others. And, the work for others is a reflection of God Himself. The work “for others” glorifies God. Jesus said it this way.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16

Have you been blessed today? Make your life about other people.

Live for others.

Impact others. Live generously.

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This week, we started the One Year Bible reading. As a reminder, the goal is to read the Bible in a year. For a list of the Scripture to read each day, check here. Audio is available also. Pin this site to the Home Screen on your phone. Or, if you like a hard copy, order those on Amazon: One Year Bible, ESV, One Year Bible, NLT.