Judy Lentz    

Acronyms Can Help

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

Have you ever felt the Holy Spirit was leading you in a certain direction only then to begin to question whether your plans are from your own heart instead of from God? How do we know when the motivation for the direction we are taking is truly God led rather than for our own desires for power and recognition?

There are a couple of acronyms that might help you answer your question.

 One acronym is WWJD? What would Jesus do? Are you looking at your own interests or the interests of others? If Jesus was sitting with you and you shared your plans with him, would he smile or frown?

The other acronym is WIIFM? What’s in it for me? Are your plans being driven by your personal desire rather than the desires of God? As the scripture says, your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Can you ever think of a time that Jesus was looking for a WIIFM?

When we put ourselves last and others first, we know we have an attitude the same as that of Christ Jesus. Putting ourselves before others, our efforts are lost in selfish ambition. Listen for guidance from the Holy Spirit and follow up with the two acronyms: WWJD and WIIFM.

Prayer: Our heavenly Father – open my ears to hear your plans for what you want me to do. Forgive my selfishness when I make plans without your blessing. Redirect my thoughts and guide my attitude to do what Jesus would do. I want Jesus to always be my role model. Correct me when I put myself first instead of last as Jesus would do. Know that my heart wants to do whatever is pleasing to you.

Amen