[MARCH 26] Worthy of Respect

Read: Philippians 2:19-30

"Receive [Epaphroditus] therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem."

--Phil. 2:29

Just before kickoff at a Super Bowl XLIII. Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award--a tribute given to the player who had best combined on-field excellence with off-field community service. "A am humbled the Lord has given me such an amazing life to impact others," said Warner, a dedicated Christian. "Of all the awards, given to NFL athletes, [these one] stands out...because of what it represents." It represents a commitment to giving and sacrificing for others.

Paying homage to those who serve is not a new concept. Paul spoke of it when he reminded the Philippians to honor those who gave themselves in serving Christ. he told them of their friend Epaphroditus, who had nearly died (Phil. 2:30) because of his efforts for Christ in ministering to others--including the people of Philippi. How should they respond? Paul said, "Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem" (v.29). Clearly, when we think of those sacrifice in serving the Savior, they are worthy of our respect and appreciation.

Why nit look for ways to show gratitude to those who have served you spiritually. Give them the honor they deserve. --Bill Crowder

To honor is to show respect,

To meet another's need,

To give someone encouragement,

To love in word and deed. --Sper

REFLECT ON THIS:

We honor God when we honor those who serve God.

[FEBRUARY 26] Under New Orders

Read: Deuteronomy 6:1-9

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" Matthew 22:37

Herman Wouk’s thrilling World War II novel The Caine Mutiny contains an excellent illustration of what happens when someone becomes a follower of God.

In the novel, a young man from an influential family has enlisted in the Navy. On the day of his induction, his mother drops him off in her fancy car and then kisses him goodbye. He shakes hands with the guard as he enters the building, and the door closes behind him.

His mother, suddenly worried that he might not have enough money, rushes up to the door. But the guard politely stops her. When she demands entrance, he refuses to let her in. She can see her son standing inside the door, so she reaches for the doorknob. “He’s my son!” she cries. The guard gently removes her hand from the knob and says softly, “I know, Ma’am, but he belongs to Uncle Sam now. He’s a sailor.”

When we believe in Jesus Christ and become His followers, we are under new authority. We are subject to new commands. Now we belong to Him. What was once important to us loses its significance. We evaluate things differently. Our new desire is to love and serve the Lord with all our heart (Deut. 6:5-6). Have you joined His ranks? --Dave Egner

Jesus my Lord will love me forever,
From Him no power of evil can sever;
He gave His life to ransom my soul--
Now I belong to Him! --Clayton

REFLECT ON THIS:
Followers of Christ get their marching orders from Him.