kands00

Consider..

Some of the more admirable qualities of Christianity's teaching from
Christ are found in the selflessness of seeking the benefits of
others, first, before the desires of self.

Christ said for us to pick up our Cross and follow him. That doesn't
mean that we are to be crucified as he was. Truely, only one man was
qualified to suffer for your sins, and you are not the one. Jesus
suffered our suffering, and no further payment is due.

What Christ meant was that we should be willing to put our own wants
and desires aside, as He did, and do actions for the benefit of
others. "Love your neighbor as yourself," is how Jesus put it. If
you are loving yourself more than your neighbor, you are not
fulfilling that. If you are seeking your own wants more than that of
others, you are not fulfilling that. We should seek to glorfy and
help others more than wanting, pridefully, that all people would serve
or rule us. Christ, above all people, deserved such service and
worship. Yet, even before His death for us, He was washing his
disciples' feet. If Christ so loved others, who are you do demand
attention and respect?

We are in an age where we are taught to look out for "number one" and
to get to the top "at any cost." However, when you get to the top and
everyone hates you for it, how will you feel? Is the top worth it, if
you are hated by all. Indeed, Napoleon once remarked that he and
ceasar and others had ruled the world by fear and force, yet Christ
had acted in love and service and how at any moment millions would die
for him. Jesus didn't get to the top by commanding respect and
forcing down others. He is worshiped because He helps us all get to
the top.

And that is a lesson to remember as a Christian.

Ken Clifton
Author of: 777 Things You Can Do In Heaven
-Available August 2003 at all major online retailers-
http://beingone.20m.com/heaven-things.html