Devotion: Play and Competition
Take a moment to read the scripture from the weekend: Philippians 2:1-8
I am writing this on a cloudy day. Actually, it has been cloudy for a few days now, and I find that on dreary days my spirit can also become dreary. What about you? Maybe we even pass along that dreariness to others. If so, this is a perfect day to envision the ways the light of Christ shines into our lives and lands on an internal mirror that reflects that love outwardly to others.
In this culture of “taking care of myself”, “finding me-time” and even “let go and let God”, this scripture speaks to me. It reminds me that there’s more to my life’s purpose than just meeting my own needs and getting through the day. In fact, Jesus has already promised to meet my needs, and He proves His love for me by coming to live the life He led and ultimately by dying on the cross. As reflected in this passage, I can find great encouragement in and through Christ, the love of our Savior and God’s people, and truly great joy.
Paul also reminds that the point of God’s generosity in meeting all my physical and emotional needs is to realize that I am truly blessed. Why would God do such a thing? Is it a reward? Is it for my entertainment? My comfort? To help me feel successful? No, it’s actually the opposite of this self-focus. In this letter to the early church in Philippi I learn that I should receive this blessing with humility and gratitude as the gift it is, and to pay it forward to others. I have been blessed in order to be a blessing to others. The reason God has shined his face on me is not so that I absorb it and feel all warm and cozy inside. I am blessed so that His light is reflected through me to those around me who need it.
Today may we all use our blessings to bless others.
Dear Jesus, thank you for the comfort and encouragement, affection, and sympathy I receive from you and from people you surround me with. I admit that I often take this for granted, as something I am due, rather than the generous gift it is. I pray that today I will recognize each blessing I receive and, by letting your light shine through me, my eyes are opened to the needs of others so I can serve them as your hands and feet in this world. Amen
Written by Lori Snyder-Sloan
Lori Snyder-Sloan is new to Sheridan, having been a life-long child of God. In her past life she served in healthcare as an Infection Preventionist for CHI Health, and currently enjoys volunteering as a nurse and working part-time from home. She is the wife of Jon Sloan and the mother of married children in Florida and Oregon, a bonus-daughter in Germany and two pups at home. Her family is the highlight of her life, however she also enjoys raising plants, reading, crocheting, Bible study, time with friends, and cross-fit workouts. She and Jon currently live in Omaha, but after the remodel of the family home, they will move back to Lincoln in early June.
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