If you’ve ever flown on a plane, then you probably remember the pre-flight announcement, "If there should be a change in cabin pressure...put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others." While this may be an appropriate response if your plane is in freefall, it’s not the right way to live our lives in view of God’s mercy.
This oxygen mask metaphor is often used to promote a “Me first” approach to life. But it misses the big picture that we have a merciful God who is all-mighty, all-knowing, unconditionally loving, and watching out for all those who put their trust in Jesus. That means we don’t have to be preoccupied with self-care because we are under His sovereign care.
In fact, Romans 12:1 gives us a completely different metaphor to consider. It says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Paul encourages us to think about life as an altar of worship and ourselves as the sacrifice. If we’ve truly understood God’s mercy, then the only reasonable response would be to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. Did you catch that? If we are looking at life from a perspective of God’s mercy, then we will be more motivated by self-sacrifice than self-service.
Yet, how often do we approach our choice of worship service with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude? Is the parking easy, the kid's ministry exceptional, the music to my liking, the people friendly, and the message always inspiring? The truth is that most Christians take a “me-centered” rather than “mercy-centered” approach to life. As a result, they are looking to be filled up rather than poured out.
What about you? Have you taken time to really consider the incredible mercy that God has for you? Are you overflowing with His grace and goodness in your life? When we cultivate a mercy mindset, giving of ourselves becomes less of a duty and more of a delight.
Is God’s mercy the main filter through which you see life?
This oxygen mask metaphor is often used to promote a “Me first” approach to life. But it misses the big picture that we have a merciful God who is all-mighty, all-knowing, unconditionally loving, and watching out for all those who put their trust in Jesus. That means we don’t have to be preoccupied with self-care because we are under His sovereign care.
In fact, Romans 12:1 gives us a completely different metaphor to consider. It says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Paul encourages us to think about life as an altar of worship and ourselves as the sacrifice. If we’ve truly understood God’s mercy, then the only reasonable response would be to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. Did you catch that? If we are looking at life from a perspective of God’s mercy, then we will be more motivated by self-sacrifice than self-service.
Yet, how often do we approach our choice of worship service with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude? Is the parking easy, the kid's ministry exceptional, the music to my liking, the people friendly, and the message always inspiring? The truth is that most Christians take a “me-centered” rather than “mercy-centered” approach to life. As a result, they are looking to be filled up rather than poured out.
What about you? Have you taken time to really consider the incredible mercy that God has for you? Are you overflowing with His grace and goodness in your life? When we cultivate a mercy mindset, giving of ourselves becomes less of a duty and more of a delight.
Is God’s mercy the main filter through which you see life?