J.O.Y.
J.O.Y
“then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” Phil. 2:2-5 (NIV)
I debated for a long time about whether I should approach this devotional with this acronym. It seems rather simplistic and is as old as I am, which means it is ancient. The acronym stands for putting Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. It is simplistic. It is old. It is true. It is an excellent way to remind yourself of what priorities will bring real joy this Advent season.
Jesus first means that you focus on the fact that behind all the lights and music and family time, underneath all the parties, traffic, and stress, the coming of Jesus is why we celebrate. It means that we renew our commitment to Jesus and His Kingdom. The work began for us when God came in human form and lowered himself to our limitations. It remains our task to do His work until He returns. Our greatest act of worship is, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1 NIV)
Putting others next in line prioritizes our work. We present ourselves to the Kingdom’s work to meet the needs of others. It is not about us. We listen to the voice of God as He calls us to a place of need and gives us the resources to meet that need. That is why Jesus came, and that is what we are called to do. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV)
You come last. Last, but not forgotten. God loves you and wants to bless you during this season. Do not let yourself become so busy (even doing the things of the Kingdom) that you miss what God has for you. Don't just give gifts this season but receive them as well. Your loved ones are grateful for the gifts you give them, but they also find joy in watching you open yours from them. Do not neglect self-care. “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt. 22:39 NIV) Your best efforts to help others and to prioritize the Savior are thwarted if you are not taking care of yourself.
Jesus
Others
Yourself
That is an ancient balance and perhaps a trite acronym, but it rings true during this season. May your Joy be full this Advent season and until He returns again.
“then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” Phil. 2:2-5 (NIV)
I debated for a long time about whether I should approach this devotional with this acronym. It seems rather simplistic and is as old as I am, which means it is ancient. The acronym stands for putting Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. It is simplistic. It is old. It is true. It is an excellent way to remind yourself of what priorities will bring real joy this Advent season.
Jesus first means that you focus on the fact that behind all the lights and music and family time, underneath all the parties, traffic, and stress, the coming of Jesus is why we celebrate. It means that we renew our commitment to Jesus and His Kingdom. The work began for us when God came in human form and lowered himself to our limitations. It remains our task to do His work until He returns. Our greatest act of worship is, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1 NIV)
Putting others next in line prioritizes our work. We present ourselves to the Kingdom’s work to meet the needs of others. It is not about us. We listen to the voice of God as He calls us to a place of need and gives us the resources to meet that need. That is why Jesus came, and that is what we are called to do. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV)
You come last. Last, but not forgotten. God loves you and wants to bless you during this season. Do not let yourself become so busy (even doing the things of the Kingdom) that you miss what God has for you. Don't just give gifts this season but receive them as well. Your loved ones are grateful for the gifts you give them, but they also find joy in watching you open yours from them. Do not neglect self-care. “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt. 22:39 NIV) Your best efforts to help others and to prioritize the Savior are thwarted if you are not taking care of yourself.
Jesus
Others
Yourself
That is an ancient balance and perhaps a trite acronym, but it rings true during this season. May your Joy be full this Advent season and until He returns again.
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