A friend told me he had recently done one of the things on his “bucket list” (a list of things to do before you die) when he took his sister to Europe. Although he had travelled there many times, she had never been there. What amazed me was the unselfish nature of having that goal on his “bucket list”. It made me wonder how many of my dreams and goals are focused on others, not on myself.

Romans 12:6-21 tells us about the gifts God gives to us as members of the body of Christ and how we should use them in everyday life. All of them are outward in focus. Teaching, for example, is for the benefit of others. It is the same with the other gifts mentioned in verses 6-8. Paul summarised this selflessness by urging us to “be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour[ing] one another above yourselves” (v.10 niv).

Paul demonstrated this attitude by involving others in his ministry, including young believers. Generosity, hospitality, forgiveness and compassion guided his behaviour.

Our goals in life should include using the gifts God has given us to help others.

Author

David C. McCasland

Topics

Our Daily Bread