“Letting Go of Our Ego”

Date: 10-04-14

Text: Mark 10:43-45— 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  [NIV84]

The Big Idea: Know you are truly a member of a Backwards Kingdom

My Thoughts: 

I’m sure we’ve never heard anyone say, “Hey, Let go of my ēgo,” but I’m sure we’ve all heard a little whine or burp, even from our own lips. Humility comes before honor and success, and when we do not humble ourselves, humiliation often follows. I’d rather do the humbling….

Lifestyle worshipers, Heartwork’s devotion focus verses this morning are the Beatitudes, you know, the “Blessed are the…” (see Matthew 5:3-11) And it is these verses that suggest  we promote (and live) what is called a “Backwards Kingdom”. Have you discovered this, too? When you want to follow Jesus on a particular path, your friends (and even sometimes your family) just don’t get it. It’s like the time when Jesus’ own family encouraged Him to go to the Feast to ‘get famous’ (my words, but their idea, see John 7:1ff), but He knew His Kingdom doesn’t work that way…. You know the way up is down?

So today, when you practice serving someone just for the Love of Jesus—getting no recognition, no credit, and even no remuneration, receive the Joy this brings and know you are truly a member of a Backwards Kingdom.

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

— 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV84)

Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven

— Matthew 18:4 (NIV84)

 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

— Romans 12:10 (NIV84)

Lord Jesus Christ, I put You on as my Hat of Humility and my Gloves of Kindness as I serve You, Your People, and those to whom You lead me for Your Glory and Your Kingdom’s advancement. I pray Your will be done on earth and in me as it is done in heaven. In Your Name, Amen.

Pastor Mike

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