Otis T. McMillan ~ Mercy and Righteousness
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)
It is common practice to look for personal recommendations before trying something new. Jesus didn’t just recommend leading by serving to his disciples, he lived it in front of them, then commissioned them to follow in his footsteps. He calls us to live humbly with our God, to confidently expect to “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16), and to live for the Father’s approval alone. He tells us that exchanging power-driven leadership for leading by serving is worth it. Do you trust his recommendation?
“I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)
A godly life is a reasonable request: all belongs to God. Hold nothing back. As we seek to understand the mercy of God, which is displayed in his longsuffering towards us, it helps to recognize how much we owe him. It is only a reasonable request that we present all of ourselves to him, displayed in a godly manner. All belongs to God; we ought to hold nothing back.
As we consider our lives, there are possibly areas that we hold back from God or parts that we know are not pleasing to him. As Paul exhorts us to do, present yourself a complete living sacrifice to him. His mercy deserves all of us.
Proverbs 21:21. “He who follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.”
The pathway to honor begins with righteousness and mercy. Respect comes to those who live godly lives.
It is often stated that respect must be earned. The scripture provides us with insight on how to earn it. Those who set their attention not on what the results will be, but commit themselves to follow after righteousness and mercy, will be the recipients of honor . They will find contentment and respect.
As you treat others with mercy, and seek to live a godly life, you will gain the respect of others, as well as find contentment and joy. Doing right and treating others with respect brings a sense of peace and completeness. It allows one, regardless of their current circumstances, to feel complete.
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)
Prayer: Jesus, we trust that your plans for us are for our good and for the Father’s glory. Help us to follow you today, leading others by serving. We pray with confidence in you as the way, the truth and the life. Amen.