Philippians - Embracing Joy by Mark BattersonSample

Almost everything we do can become a tribute to ourselves or it can be an act of grace toward others. The decision is up to us. From the simplest of daily activities to the most sacred practices, if we are not careful, we can become self-serving. We must set our sights on Jesus and not on ourselves or our circumstances. He is there for us. He is speaking to us. He is looking out for us. He has a plan for our daily lives and for the lives of those we meet.

There you are! I have a spiritual father, Dick Foth, who says that almost every time he calls me or sees me. He told me, a long time ago, there are two kinds of people in the world—here I am and there you are. 

The first kind of person walks into the room and announces internally: here I am. In other words, their ego barely fits in the door! It’s all about me, myself, and I. The second kind of person walks into the room internally announcing: there you are. They check their ego at the door, and it’s all about everyone else. It’s all about adding value to other people’s lives. 

We can all think of people in our lives who are “here I am” people and ones who are “there you are’’ folks. They each have their place in our lives. They each have their place in God’s plan.

How we eat pizza can scream, “Here I am,” or gently affirm, “There you are.” Imagine sitting at a table with a group of friends at your favorite pizzeria. After a leisurely dinner and time of conversation, you look and notice one slice is left. Pause right now and imagine two options. “Here I am!” and with cobra-like reflexes you snag the last slice and gobble it down. Or “There you are!” as you let everyone know there is one more slice and someone else should enjoy it. 

God can use both types of people. “There you are” tend to naturally think of others and make them feel wanted. The “Here I am” group sometimes has to be more intentional in showing concern for others. If they set their eyes on Jesus, He can use them in the daily lives of those around them to share His love and care. They can become the “Here I am, how can I help you” group. Jesus helps us take what might be a negative and transform it into a positive that ministers to others.

Which are you? It is possible to change the type of person you are. A relationship with Jesus Christ is transformative. Fix your eyes on Jesus, whatever type of person you are, and allow Him to use you to be a witness to others. Show others through your life and your experiences that Jesus is the way to salvation. His grace is meant for everyone. He is the One looking for each of us and saying “There you are!”

Respond

List names of people in your life who are “Here I am” and those who are “There you are.”

Which one are you? 

Prayer 

Father, today may I be someone’s “There you are” person!