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Word of the week: Love is not self-seeking 1 Corinthians 13:5

 
(love…)

It does not demand its own way (NLT, ESV)

it is not self-seeking (NIV)

 
Dictionary.com

Self-seeking

selfish, having or showing an exclusive preoccupation with one’s own profit or interest:

Selfish

devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one’s own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.

characterized by or manifesting concern or care only for oneself
 

In all honestly, every time I have sat down to write this blog I have stopped for a number of reasons. 1) I have been feeling pretty sick lately and so have not felt up to it, 2) been feeling overwhelmed with all the business of life and so if I had time to sit down and write it I wanted to rest instead, 3) truthfully, I have been really struggling with adjusting to being back in America lately and with all of my questions about the future and so have been pretty down lately. It hit me today though, this week is about not being self-seeking (selfish) and me not writing what I said I would because of my own junk is being just that…SELFISH. Thank you Jesus for yet again convicting me.

The definitions of selfish made me cringe. I would never want to be ‘devoted’ to only my own interests, or ‘characterized’ by my concern for myself. Man oh man, that is not a good character trait to be known for. The truth is though, me being so consumed with the question marks that loom over what seems like every aspect of my life right now is being selfish.

So what if my job ends in January? I was blessed with a great full-time temporary job for the time being, praise Jesus.

So what if I live at home right now? I am so blessed by two loving parents who took back in their otherwise homeless daughter.

So what if I no longer get to see my amazing World Race family? I am blessed that I can call and skype them and see them every once and a while.

So what if my boyfriend lives 3,000 miles away? I am blessed to have someone to miss this much.

 

ME ME ME ME ME. Fun fact, life isn’t about me (Thank you for the reminder from your own convictions Emily!). Yes, it is my life and my journey to live, but if I only live it for myself that is no life at all.

36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV)

Life is about loving God and loving others.

Or as Paul told the Phillipians:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

 
What does it look like to value others above yourself?
 
Two challenges this week: 1. Do something every day for someone else that shows them I value them.
2. Also, I brought this up with two dear friends of mine when they were so kind and let me stay with them a few nights. On the race some of the people played the ‘mine’ game. God says that all things on this Earth are His…therefore, none of it is mine or yours…but we try to claim ownership. So the game goes, if anyone catches you saying the word ‘mine’ (i.e., “Hey Natalie, who’s jacket is that?” “Oh it’s mine.”) then the person caught has to do ten push-ups. What I love about this game is it really draws your attention to how much you think you are entitled to, how much is yours…and hopefully eventually turn a selfish heart into one a little less selfish and ME centered. So…if you hear me say it this week, or ever for that matter, call me out! Anyone else want to do some push-ups with me?? Who’s in?
 
 
p.s. On September 24th a few of us are doing a 10K walk in Washington to raise awareness and money for children with disabilities in China. http://www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1282&AID=1615&PID=232129.
Please consider donating to a group of children who desperately need it!
p.p.s. Keep my girl Emily in your prayers as well. Her blog she just wrote is very honest and real. If you want a glance into how I have been feeling lately I recommend reading her blog…she was able to word things in a way that I have not been able to…http://emilymilroy.theworldrace.org/?filename=a-restless-heart-in-waiting&bookmark=true#comments