This one kind of hurts.  Right in the feels.  If it doesn’t convict you of your own priorities, then it probably convicts you regarding your thoughts of other people.  Often, we are looking at the funny memes. I chose a more sobering one this time because it had such a poignant illustration.  So simple, yet so accurate. So let’s talk about that a little.

First, this illustration is talking about how we are, ourselves.  Are we focused on how we look so much so that we miss the opportunity to actually do work?  In other words, are we worried so much about ourselves that we are not accomplishing anything for the kingdom of God?  An easy way to examine this is to look at your actions and determine how much of them were done for others and if those actions were done out of love.   

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 ESV

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men

Colossians 3:23 ESV

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV

Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

1 Corinthians 10:24 ESV

You see, as Christians, we are responsible for loving others.  It’s not about how we look, how much success we have, or anything else other than loving God and loving others.  If we can look good doing it, great!  But we need to make sure that there is some work behind it. 

Conversely, this image may be convicting in how we look at others.  We are often drawn to those that look like they have it all together.  The ones that are super successful by worldly standards. But what is their substance?  Many times, the ones that are ingrained in God’s work don’t look like the nice, sharp pencil.  They look like the one that is being used because God is using them! Think about those people who are volunteering at church, many hours a week, because they love God and love the church.  Often, they are overlooked and/or forgotten.  On the outside, they don’t look as appealing, but we know that they are working hard for the Lord. 

Of course these are gross generalizations.  Not all people who look like they have it together are devoid of Godly works.  And not everyone who is working for the Lord is doing it of pure heart.  However, this illustration leads us to examine our priorities as well as how we look at other people. 

When you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any selfishness in your own life.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any times that you may have looked at another person wrongly, thinking them less than or holding them in too high regard.

If needed, ask for forgiveness and to be shown how to change.

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Meme pictures derived from social media and shared under Fair Use Copyright Law

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