I have to confess something to you today––I struggle at the grocery store. Now I know some people have the motto “I live to eat.” Others prefer “I eat to live.” Well I live by both . . . but I lean towards one more than the other when at the grocery store. When I visit the local “Stop & Shop” my food senses kick in. The produce is lush, the deli smells scrumptious, the lobsters in the tank seem to be calling my name, and then there are the ethnic aisles––like taking a missions trip without airport lines or getting a passport! Very rarely does Jen send me to the grocery store without a specific list; well, let me be honest…very rarely does she send me at all!
The other night, I stopped by the store just to get some dog food and a stick of deodorant. As I was walking the aisle, I couldn’t help but hear the shoppers compare and complain about different brands, their prices, and their taste differences. This took me to a place.
How many times have I been in a church service where I was too critical of the surroundings? How many times have I been in the seat of a church hearing a sermon and thought that I was not being fed? How many times have I been in the presence of the Almighty God, and had way too much on my mind that was not about I AM? How many times have I judged without knowing or understanding? We are all human. That means that we will not always choose Him or others. Sometimes we choose ourselves over all!
Phil. 2:3-4 says, “ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Paul reminds the church in Philippi that we must not be bound by “self-ambition or vain conceit.” We have to put our lives out there for others and for Christ!
Jesus tell us in…
Matt. 10:38 & 39, “If you refuse to take up your cross and follow Me, you are not worthy of being Mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for Me, you will find it.”
Phil. 2:3&4 reveals the warnings of Stop & Shop. Matt. 10:38&39 gives us the keys to a fulfilling life. One brings the complaint of price and taste. The other brings the reward of a life lived with purpose!
No matter what, Jesus gave up His. Let us be Christ Like! Stop the shopping, and start living to die!