Some of our friends here in Maringa did not (and still do not) understand why we would rent a van to ride for 1.5 hours to visit a coffee plantation (and buy some of that fresh coffee–it provides extra money for Donnanivi and Alcede) when we could have found a coffee plantation near here. The answer is simple, “it is not about us.”
Philippians 2:3-5 (NIV) says, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. If I have learned anything about my Savior during the years, it is this: He cultivated relationships. He was concerned for others. He loved others. He died for others. And for the 3 hours today that I was in their home, I felt His love continuing to develop our friendship that was started 8 years ago. It is the peace that passes all understanding.
Three weeks ago, Pastor Tim summed it up in his sermon in the contemporary service, if you want to know why you have problems and issues, “it is because you need more of Jesus and less of you!” I challenge you to begin to live out Philippians 2, not just when it is convenient, but in every aspect of your life. To put others first. Then Jesus said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Remember, more of Jesus and less of you!
Keep pressing forward,
Michael