Are You Ready to Pour Yourself Out for Others?

Feb 5, 2021 at 6:52 AM

‘I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.’ (Philippians 2:17, NIV)

The Apostle Paul was willing to pour out his life as a drink offering to build others’ faith. And he did this with joy. He didn’t feel sacrificed, nor did he feel wronged or self-satisfied for giving himself.

Looking back, I’ve helped some brothers and sisters, investing time and money in their faith, growth, and family relationships. It started well, but I couldn’t sustain it; things eventually fizzled out.

Reflecting a bit, I see two reasons.

First, I didn’t offer myself like a ‘sacrificial offering, a drink offering’ on the altar, asking Jesus to help them. I depended on my own strength, still seeing my sacrifices as my own, not as something ‘offered up’ and no longer mine.

Second, throughout that process, I didn’t have ongoing joy. Helping others became a burden. Even before real difficulties arose, I was defeated by fear and worry. The joy I lacked wasn’t external but came from the connection with God, from ‘finding my joy in God alone.’ My life wasn’t mature enough to delight in God. But the past struggles were not in vain.

Lord, renew my heart to follow Paul’s example, willing to pour myself out as a drink offering for others’ faith.

The past few days, I got a bit ‘caught up’ in design work, leading to an imbalance in my time allocation. As a result, I didn’t write my devotional notes until evening yesterday.

Honestly, I see my team’s needs and how I can contribute value. But my inner sin nature still craves attention and praise through performance. I forget that my work is before the Lord, done for Him.

Philippians 2:14 is a great reminder for me: ‘Do everything without grumbling or arguing.’ In design discussions, differences of opinion often bring out ‘flesh and pride,’ creeping in grievances and arguments. I try to think and design thoroughly, expressing clearly and patiently. The rest I trust to the team to discern.

Thank God for:

1. I was worried about my daughter’s nosebleeds and went to the hospital. The results were good. Thank the Lord. Outsiders might say, and I used to say, ‘What’s there to be thankful for? It was just a scare.’ But I see two points of gratitude here. First, in the unknown outcome, I had peace because I could rely on God, so no worries. Second, the result could’ve been not good. But it turned out well, and I believe it’s God’s protection, so I thank God.
2. God’s protection. These days, my mind wasn’t on Him. But this morning during prayer, I was moved and awakened as soon as I began. I believe it’s the Holy Spirit guarding me inside.
3. Leading my daughter to be willing to help other kids with tutoring online. From the first session, tutoring might not have a significant impact. More importantly, it’s about building relationships and communication.