For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.     {James 3:16 -17}

I can remember many times when I only thought about me, myself and I. Before I knew the Lord it seems that I was consumed with me, but I didn't trust me either!  My foundation was rather shaky to say the least.  My desire to have a firm foundation lead me to Jesus!

There is no order when we think only about self. Happiness is elusive because this only comes when we are others oriented. Philippians 2:3 says, " Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than himself.

This was an outrageous statement to my flesh. When I first got saved this seemed to be unattainable, unrealistic, and just all wrong! It took many years for me to see the truth in it. Then it took even longer for it to be worked out in my life. The more I look at Jesus, the better I was able to apply it, because His unfailing love had me in the most stable environment. Taking our eyes off of self opens a whole new world to the believer, and the joy is endless.

This new way of living freed me to see others as better than myself, but not superior. God sees us all as the same, but when we make people a priority it all falls into a healthy focus. I am free to give, because I have allowed Him to freely give to me. My needs a met, so the overflow goes to whomever He puts in my path. Be free today to pour out His love on those who come along to you!