It's not about you?

Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

Rick Warren wrote the book, "Purpose Driven Life". And the opening line was this: "It's not about you." That is perhaps one of the most memorized lines in modern literature. I must confess, I have quoted it. I have stated it. Do I believe it? Yes and no. I do not question Rick Warren because in the context of this book, it is very pertinent and accurate. There are those who are overly needy and seem to think it is all about them. "serve me. Pay attention to me. Take care of me. I want....I need..." From that aspect, this statement is very fitting and I love it. that is how I have used it. When someone says something like what I mentioned above, I have to say something like, "Pal....get over yourself. It is not about you."

With that being said, it brings me to say this: I am in the little town of Frankfort, Indiana this week. I am here taking a couple classes. What I have come to do is to learn and complete an academic requirement. But God had something else in mind this week also. God knew that my tank was running low and therefore God set this week aside for me as a time of "tank filling", spiritual renewal and re-charging my battery. What is God telling me? He's telling me, "Milt....in a way, it is about you because if you are empty you have nothing to offer others."

Jesus tells us that all the commands in the Bible can be captured in two commands; Love God with everything you have and love your neighbor as yourself. Let's look at that last part. Love your neighbor as yourself. We are to love others the very way we love ourselves. How much do you love and care for yourself? Think on that. God calls us to take care of ourselves...to value and nourish our bodies and our souls. So, don't feel bad when you take some time for yourself. Don't feel guilty when you prioritize your day so that you have your "God" time first...your devotional time....your prayer time....your spiritual journaling time before you make time for anyone else. God calls us to set priorities and boundaries. A good friend and fellow pastor says often, "We are like batteries. A battery cannot put out what it does not have." Fill yourself with God's Word and His love and His power. Watch how He will take that and bless it to allow you to be the light he wants you to be. God bless you. God is good.