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The Same Mindset

           In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8)

This morning on one of my social media platforms, someone asked whether I would give supplies to someone coming to the door in a disaster, assuming that I had some supplies. I answered that it would depend on the nature of the crisis, the supplies in question, and (probably) the attitude of the person at the door. It’s a question that bothered me before it was asked, because part of my reason for trying to become more resourceful is so that I can provide for and otherwise help others in an emergency. But, one of the basics of emergency response training is that you don’t endanger yourself to help someone else. It’s as the flight attendant mimes at the beginning of each flight: you put your own mask on before you try to help your children (or anyone else) put on theirs.

Today’s passage suggests (at least suggests) that we should be willing to give to others. Stories from the Old Testament come to mind of women who were down to their last meal. In their willingness to share, God provide for them. Stories of George Mueller’s orphanage come to mind, too, of a man sitting down for a meal with a large group of orphans, and without food to put on the table. God provided for them. What this means is that our sharing may be part of the miracle God is doing for someone else, and not sharing may hamper a miracle God would do for us if we were willing to trust Him.

It’s not easy. It’s down-right scary. It also requires wisdom. Had there been another way for

 us to be saved, I’ve no doubt Jesus would have taken it. The goal is to help those who are truly in need, no to wear “Exploit me” on our chests.

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