Jesus’ Example

Think about Jesus for a moment. He had feelings and desires like we all do. But did He live selfishly? No, Jesus knew that would bring Him to defeat. He had to keep God’s love first. When the devil tempted Him to try to look impressive and get others to like Him, what did Jesus do? He filled up His mind and heart with God and His love. Instead of trying to figure out how to be good and great, Jesus gave everything to His Father to take care of (just like Jessie gave up her plans and dreams) so He could just love and obey God. In Philippians 2:8 it says, “He humbled himself and became obedient unto death.” If Jesus had done things His own way, would He have died on the cross? No. But instead He prayed, “Not my will, but Thine, be done.”* (Luke 22:42) That was the only way to victory, and it is the only way for us, too. Anything else that we set our heart on—even trying to do “good things”—will trip us up and defeat us. Are you willing to die to your own dreams and desires so that you can let God’s love triumph in you?