I have known what it is to live for myself, to choose me over those I love and to pursue every desire of my heart. I hate that part of me. I can’t stand it when that voice emerges in my head and encourages me to grab at what I want or to defend my rights. Truly, I hate that guy. I know him so well but also feel like he is an alien and a stranger in my own body. He does not belong there. And he is not welcome.
I used to invite that guy in. Knowing that he would ultimately do me harm but thinking I would enjoy his gifts. However, I have come to the place that his gifts are torture. Even the thought of them causes a physical reaction in my body. My back gets tense, my legs feel heavy and tight and I can feel my freedom beginning to slip away. I can actually feel death creeping into my heart.
As a result, my eyes dim. I walk with my shoulders a little lower. The cadence of my speech is altered. Little moments that would normally make me smile and fill my heart with joy are now lost on me or even irritate me. In my submission to the voice of that old guy, I am defeated and broken. In my pursuit of selfishness, I am actually destroying everything that I love. Yeah, I hate that guy!
But this is not the way of my Jesus. He has taught me a different way to live. One that is free. A life that is defined by comfort, intimacy and joy. A life of overwhelming love.
This is the life that dominates my heart and my thoughts. When I am living in it, I hear the voice of Jesus reminding me, encouraging me and celebrating with me constantly. I find myself smiling at young children and laughing freely with friends. I see people’s eyes and respond to what seems to be an unmistakable need, whether it be a hug or a probing question or a high five.
What’s amazing is this is a life that is not about me. I am constantly led to consider the person in front of me. To offer care and concern and challenge and love. This new life seems to be an upside down way of living. The more I think about other people, the more my heart comes alive. The more I serve my wife and my kids and my friends and the guy at the grocery store, the more my heart leaps.
It has even led me to a new way of dealing with conflict and struggle. I am reminded that the person I am dealing with has a heart that matters and I cannot be the reason for the lack of freedom in their life. That if humility and submission can serve them – then I can offer it. And I am challenged to not allow that old guy to rise up and attack both of us. Freedom is too precious for that!
The attitude of Jesus…no, I don’t always live there. But I love the days that I do!
landoncollard 
Thank you for this, Landon. Jesus saw the hearts of others, so must we.
Isn’t it amazing that placing someone else’s heart in front of your own ends up actually feeding your heart more than all the crazy things we do to make ourselves feel better? It all really does come back to love!
i have found that when life seems to bring me down, I ask God to show me someone in need. when I find and bring just a little joy to someone else, it has saved me from going into a depression.
I agree completely Stacie. When my thoughts are primarily about me, I move into selfishness and anger. When I am able to get over myself and really see people, my heart becomes free. I am able to respond in love instead of frustration.
Such a challenge! Your words touched me and I will do my best to try harder to remember to look at everyone with eyes of Jesus instead of my own! My eyes often get filled up in wants of my own when there are so many others that just have needs… And these eyes of mine can serve instead of want! Thanks Landon!
Love it Phyllis! It is the most fulfilling, beautiful way of life. It’s what we were created for. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and keep walking his way!