“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
Romans 14:19
So often the things that we spend our time, energy, and resources pursuing are mainly selfish. It’s our nature as humans to be selfish. It’s the instinct of our flesh to care about ourselves first and everything else second. Of course, that’s the opposite of the way of God. Instead, God wants for us to pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding.
Now, just because a person is being a little bit selfish, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they aren’t making for peace or mutual upbringing, right? I would say that’s incorrect. Anything that we may do that solely revolves around our own interests and desires, not paying any mind to God or others, is necessarily the opposite of peaceful or mutual upbuilding. Why? Because to pursue peace and to build others up takes intentional effort, a decision to put yourself second and someone else first.
It’s exactly the way that Jesus lived his entire life. Even when he was taking a private moment to pray but was interrupted by the crowds coming to him, he was always moved with compassion for them, to help them, never frustrated or annoyed. He never passed any opportunity to build someone up. It wasn’t an accident. It’s not something that happens by chance when we’re just looking out for number one.
We can all spend more time and intentional effort putting someone else first, making peace in the world, building someone else up, and not worrying about ourselves. It’s difficult and it takes serious amounts of patience and love, and we need the Holy Spirit if we will ever be successful, but we can always start. So let’s all start today.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the example of Christ. Help us to put others first and ourselves last. Give us your Holy Spirit so that we may pursue peace and mutual upbuilding in everything we do.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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