Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Word
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
Meditation
Today’s meditation is written by Allison Lewis.
In Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who, an elephant named Horton is splashing in a pool when he suddenly hears a noise:
“So Horton stopped splashing. He looked toward the sound.
‘That’s funny,’ thought Horton. ‘There’s no one around.’
Then he heard it again! Just a very faint yelp
As if some tiny person were calling for help.
‘I’ll help you,’ said Horton. ‘But who are you? Where?’
He looked and he looked. He could see nothing there
But a small speck of dust blowing past through the air.”
Horton discovers an entire ecosystem called Whoville living on a tiny piece of dust floating in the air past him. He decides to take the speck under his care and protection, despite much ridicule from the other jungle animals. The animals try to destroy the speck, and they ridicule Horton, calling him odd and strange. But Horton puts himself at risk to save Whoville. He knows the stakes are high.
How often do you and I point out differences instead of pointing out commonalities? Human nature looks for differences by default—even among Christians. But what if we start focusing on the things we have in common, rather than the things that set us apart or make us different?
In the book of Philippians, Paul reminds the early Christians in Philippi of their shared traits: a saving faith, a knowledge of the triune God, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the ability to care for one another. He urges them, “in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Paul knew that it was important for the early Church to concentrate on their similarities and put the needs of others first.
Paul’s words apply to us today. We share the same characteristics as the first Christians: sainthood, forgiveness, and a place in God’s family. We still confess the same beliefs through the Lord’s Prayer and the Apostle’s Creed. We participate in the same Holy Supper, we do life together in community groups, and we are sent out in service to others.
At the end of Horton Hears a Who, Horton leaves readers with this thought:
“Because after all,
A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
Watch for ways that you can serve others this week. Be humble, be kind, and most importantly, look for common traits that you share with others.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the common gifts of faith, forgiveness and confession that we share together. Open my eyes to serve others this week and to find common traits among my peers. Amen.
For the Mission of God Through the Church
- Give us, who are your sent ones, your compassion for your lost ones.
- Keep us from becoming so preoccupied with ourselves that we lose our sense and purpose of being on your mission.
- Preserve us from the paralysis of fear. Help us glory in nothing save in the cross of Jesus Christ.
- For missionaries in hard-to-reach places around the world.
- For Christians who are living under intense persecution, who risk their lives for the name of Jesus Christ.
Benediction
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (II Cor. 13:14)