Breaking The Self-Serving Mindset
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy famously said, in his 1961 Inaugural Address, “Ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country”. President Kennedy challenged Americans to contribute to public service. Kennedy’s words can easily pertain to the kingdom of God.
Look at this: “Ask not what God can do for you–ask what you can do for God”. Brothers and sisters, we have to get out of the self-serving mindset. This mindset entails always wanting to be blessed, but never wanting to be a blessing. Always wanting someone to walk with you in your spiritual mess, but never wanting to be the vessel that walks with someone in their mess. Scripture tells us that we are to be self-less.
Look here:
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” (Romans 15:1-3 NIV).
In the KJV, the word edification is used instead of good. As saints, we are called to strengthen and to build up those who are weak. Just as Jesus was selfless, we are called to be selfless.
A wise woman once said, “just do it!”. If the Lord is calling you to do the work of the kingdom, then just do it. I have heard many excuses such as, I’m scared, I’m not sure that I’m ready, or I’m too busy. Beloved, ask yourself this, if you can give one hundred percent to things that are not of God, then why can’t you give one hundred percent to your heavenly Father? I want us to take a look at Jeremiah chapter 1.
It states: 4 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 5 before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord God! Behold , I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7 But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 1:4-8 KJV)
The Lord called Jeremiah to be His mouthpiece (prophet), and not soon after Jeremiah gave the Lord an excuse. Jeremiah tells the Lord that he is just a child (to paraphrase: I am too young, so get someone else to do it). The Lord tells Jeremiah to say that he is not a child, and not to fear anyone because He will be with him. A wise woman also once said that the Lord sees potential in us. When we are obedient to His will and walk in the purpose He has planned for us, we are able to reach that potential. The Lord is not calling us to be perfect, but instead, He is calling us to be obedient to His will.
You might be saying to yourself, so what if I ignore the Lord’s calling on my life? I advise you to read Revelation 21: 8. It states: 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murders, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21: 8 KJV).
If you are refusing to walk in your purpose because you have a fear of people or fear of persecution, you will have your part in the lake of fire. There are many people that are in Sheol (Hell), because they allowed fear to keep them from doing the Lord’s Will. Do not let their fatal mistake be your fatal mistake.
Disclaimer: If the Lord has not called you to lead, be a prophet, pastor, apostle, evangelist, teacher, or to minister, please do not take your own initiative to do so. We all have a purpose, and it is up to us to seek the Lord about our purpose (read Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 3:5-6). By no means should you start speaking into people’s lives without the Lord telling you to and with proper spiritual training. Read Jeremiah chapter 1 verse 5. Notice how the Lord already ordained Jeremiah to be a prophet. Jeremiah did not decide himself to be a prophet. The Lord cares deeply about His souls, so you should not play around with this thing.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not giving my all to you. Forgive me for having one foot in the world and having another foot in the kingdom. Lord, you said it is impossible to serve two masters. Lord, I humbly come before you proclaiming that I want to serve only you. Lord, you said that the work is plenty but the laborers are few. Father, I am available to you. Use me to show someone the way. Order my steps in your word, so that I may do your will. In Jesus name, Amen.
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