Are You Last?

[netchaplain]

As we already know, the primary goal of every believer is to put others before self (Phl 2:3). This is the priority for those who desire to put God first because it is how we “keep” His “commands” (John 14:15), which are summed up into one—namely “love one another” (John 15:12, 17). Therefore to love God is to love others, and anything short of this intention is merely immaturity concerning our “growing up into Him in all things” (Eph 4:15).

Until this is our intention in what we do we cannot rightly “walk in the Spirit,” for “love” is the foremost “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22)! Thus, it can be safely assumed that love to others is the greatest work of God within a soul; it undoubtedly is the spiritual growth determinant of the saint.

Though our practical love to others cannot be continuous (due to the old man), the desire for it should ever be final, manifesting at least to self, God’s “work” in us (Phl 2:13). The disappointment in this inconsistency can be compensated by being encouraged to know that God knows (because He puts it in you) your overall intention is love to others. To me this can be seen similar to Peter (I believe) being encouraged in knowing Christ knew he loved Him when he appealed to Jesus in answering Him a third time with, “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee” (John 21:15-17).

I believe “love” was Apostle John’s prominent attribute which God had worked in his life, which is seen dominant in his writings, and could have been why he was Jesus’ favorite (John 13:23; 20:2; 21:7, 20, 24). Not that He loved John more than any other, “but as a man, He had a particular affection for this disciple” – J G.

As we seek God to make neighborly love a priority in our lives, let us be patient while we see Him gradually and assuredly working it to be not only desirable, but more importantly—practical in our walk with Him. Thank God that we know that He knows that we love Him above all, and it is this ultimatum that makes our love to all others an ever-conscious priority!
NC

 

[chessman]

JG?

As we seek God to make neighborly love a priority in our lives, let us be patient while we see Him gradually and assuredly working it to be not only desirable, but more importantly—practical in our walk with Him.

“Our walk with Him”??? The model disciple shows us running. (Just kidding. Good job)

And the two were running together, and the other disciple ran ahead, faster than Peter, and came to the tomb first.​

John 20:4 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John 20:4&version=LEB

 

[for_his_glory]

Great topic as we need to put love (Christ Jesus) above everything. Luke 14:26 comes to mind that if you give Christ second place in your love of others you can not be one of His own.

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen, Matthew 20:16. Those who will be chosen are the last that will be first as they have gratitude in their heart for their master (Christ) receiving with a glad heart for what they were promised. The first are last and not chosen as they murmured an complained against what they were promised as they had no gratitude, but anger towards their master (Christ).

I hope that made sense.

 

[netchaplain]

Great topic as we need to put love (Christ Jesus) above everything. Luke 14:26 comes to mind that if you give Christ second place in your love of others you can not be one of His own.

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen, Matthew 20:16. Those who will be chosen are the last that will be first as they have gratitude in their heart for their master (Christ) receiving with a glad heart for what they were promised. The first are last and not chosen as they murmured an complained against what they were promised as they had no gratitude, but anger towards their master (Christ).

I hope that made sense.

It did! Thanks Sis!

 

[tdidymas]

As we already know, the primary goal of every believer is to put others before self (Phl 2:3). This is the priority for those who desire to put God first because it is how we “keep” His “commands” (John 14:15), which are summed up into one—namely “love one another” (John 15:12, 17). Therefore to love God is to love others, and anything short of this intention is merely immaturity concerning our “growing up into Him in all things” (Eph 4:15).

Until this is our intention in what we do we cannot rightly “walk in the Spirit,” for “love” is the foremost “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22)! Thus, it can be safely assumed that love to others is the greatest work of God within a soul; it undoubtedly is the spiritual growth determinant of the saint.

Though our practical love to others cannot be continuous (due to the old man), the desire for it should ever be final, manifesting at least to self, God’s “work” in us (Phl 2:13). The disappointment in this inconsistency can be compensated by being encouraged to know that God knows (because He puts it in you) your overall intention is love to others. To me this can be seen similar to Peter (I believe) being encouraged in knowing Christ knew he loved Him when he appealed to Jesus in answering Him a third time with, “Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee” (John 21:15-17).

I believe “love” was Apostle John’s prominent attribute which God had worked in his life, which is seen dominant in his writings, and could have been why he was Jesus’ favorite (John 13:23; 20:2; 21:7, 20, 24). Not that He loved John more than any other, “but as a man, He had a particular affection for this disciple” – J G.

As we seek God to make neighborly love a priority in our lives, let us be patient while we see Him gradually and assuredly working it to be not only desirable, but more importantly—practical in our walk with Him. Thank God that we know that He knows that we love Him above all, and it is this ultimatum that makes our love to all others an ever-conscious priority!
NC

The title of this thread "Are you last?" made me think of what is the criteria for getting into heaven, if I am "first" in this life then I will be "last" in heaven. I thought that if love is measured by affection, then mine is so tiny that it takes a microscope to see it. As I go through the Pearly Gates, I think they will slam shut and hit me in the behind.
TD

 

[netchaplain]

The title of this thread "Are you last?" made me think of what is the criteria for getting into heaven, if I am "first" in this life then I will be "last" in heaven

Appreciate your reply, comments and humor! Concerning the last, first and the first, last, I believe this refers to the rewards from our spiritual works, i.e. believers who consider themselves chief in this life will be deemed inferior to them in eternity.

Of course, the entry criteria for eternal life is faith in Christ, but I'm certain you know this. Just keeping it instructional.

Blessings!