Jonathan gave up his own right to be king in deference to David, God’s true anointed.
1. When have you given up your “rights” in a situation? Was it difficult for you?
* Part of helping others to grow in their Christian service is to put oneself/ego in a background mode and encourage them to feel more confident in their effort. After all it is not my "right" to anything in life, it is the privileges that God has given me.
Was it difficult? We humans like to be given recognition for our efforts; however with "age" I have found that God knows and sees all and that is enough.
* Sometimes it’s hard for me to give up my right for “equality” in various settings—I like things to be fair and equitable according to MY definition and time table of such. I have to remember that God has promised to take care of that, and that I don’t have to force it myself.
And I'm very thankful that the Lord doesn't treat me "fairly"! :-) Grace is way beyond fair.
* In order to grow spiritually, mentally and morally we have to learn how to keep our ego in check. …We live in a "selfish me/mine, I'm more important than you" society. The number of people willing to step back and not demand "center stage" is dwindling faster than ever. The "second chair" attitude is achieved only by a conscience decision to seek out the greater good, i.e. the bigger picture.
As Christians I think we are obligated to be fair-minded and equal in all situations. Jesus purchased those "rights" for us.
* When God made us righteous he gave us a new view of our rights. "We no longer regard anyone from a worldly point of view" (2 Cor. 5:16) This includes ourselves and others. It is a wonderful gift of grace not just to have to be first, but not even to care that much about it. This is how I see it when I am in my right mind, but sometimes I slip into old ways of thinking.
As soon as I find it difficult to do or be what is obviously right and look for reasons to be or do what I really want, I know it is time to pray and renew my mind so that I can see clearly. God allows us our humanity and in our weakness gives his strength and grace.
2. When have you lifted someone to a higher level, or had someone lift you? Who could you be lifting up now?
* A vital part of a Christian walk is to lift up each other spiritually, emotionally, even physically when needed. A note, a kind/ or encouraging word, hugs!, helping with a task, listening, a phone call, etc., all provide a boost. Every time I am around fellow Christians, I am lifted up in one way or another. I hope I can do the same to those around me.
* I believe it is part of my God-given calling to lift up my husband and children to be the best they can be for God. And I think they do the same for me. I’m currently trying to lift up a friend who is under a great deal of pressure. I can’t do the job for her, but I can at least help keep her encouraged and supported to do the things that she is having to do on the front lines.
* I think I could do a better job of lifting up my family. Those who have lifted me are too numerous to name. :-)
* As a teacher for so many years, I had opportunities to lift up students and colleagues. I often pushed students, read numerous college applications and wrote a volume of letters. Every time one of them got the acceptance letter they coveted I rejoiced. I still hear from some of them and that is one of the joys of my retirement.
I have not lacked cheerleaders most of my life. My parents, especially my dad, was my devoted fan as have been my aunts and my grandmother. I've also been fortunate to have wonderful encouragers in and out of the church. And has it helped!...One of my favorite passages is Ps. 116:5-7. The Lord has been so good to me.
* My family is definitely my "Lifter"--a call from one of my children or grandchildren make my day, and my husband is always my #1 encourager. The Teens are also one of my supporters. The Sunrisers on Thursday mornings always make me feel super….I think that we mutually lift each other up in so many ways. Because when I lift someone up--at the same time they are lifting me up.
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