Humble Pie: It’s Not About Us — Tuesday
Philippians 1:9-10
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters… (NLT)
Recently, I’ve been making an effort to eat healthier.
Now, when I say “recently,” what I really mean is… the past few days. And when I say “healthier,” what I really mean is… not relying on the good folks at Chick-fil-A to provide ALL of my meals…
It’s the small steps.
This sudden desire to make better choices didn’t come about randomly. I’ve always had the kind of Ferrari-like metabolism that’s allowed me to eat whatever I wanted, with little to no consequence. Then, all of a sudden, that metabolism came to a screeching halt about a year ago. I was hoping it would miraculously rev back up again, but I’m beginning to accept that it’s time to make some changes.
Driving home from a men’s gathering the other night, my stomach began to growl. The numerous drive-thru signs seemed to shine even brighter than usual, making Nicholasville Road look more like Las Vegas—and Little Caesar’s more like Caesar’s Palace. My options were limitless.
Here in Kentucky, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding a place to eat. The only problem is—not all of those options are healthy.
Paul recognizes a healthy church when he sees it and holds the church in Philippi close to his heart. He writes to them, encouraging them to keep growing and keep going, praying for them in the work they do. Paul sees in them what every church should have: an overflowing of love. Paul knows that love is the only way to show people who Jesus really is.
On every major road in Kentucky, there’s no shortage of two things: places to eat, and churches. The only problem is—not all of those churches are healthy.
Since joining our church planting movement here at Southland, I’ve noticed that one of the most frequently asked questions we receive is, “Why church planting? Aren’t there enough churches already?”
I never mind this question at all and get excited when people ask. But it usually doesn’t lead to a conversation about church—it normally turns into a conversation about love.
“I don’t think you can have enough healthy churches who love people the way Jesus does.”
The average church in the United States only leads one person to Jesus every year. That isn’t something I share with every person I meet, but it’s something that gives our church’s heart a sense of urgency.
Call me crazy, but I’m with Paul. I want to see the love of Jesus overflow across a state that desperately needs more of Him.
Tuesday’s Reflection
How have you seen the Church show God’s love? What are some ways you can show that same love to someone today?
