The Path of Divine Alignment: Love, Humility, and Service (02/09/'24)*

The Path of Divine Alignment: Love, Humility, and Service Preserve the integrity of each heart and soul from the corrosive grasp of manipulation, whether it manifests through words, deeds, teachings, financial allure, or the seductive lure of power. Remember, all glory and honor is rightfully attributed to God alone. Thus, step aside from any path that tempts you to usurp that glory for personal gain. Aspiring to reflect even a fraction of God's essence means refraining from ensnaring others' hearts for your own service and adulation. True service to God, mirroring the sacrificial path of Christ, entails embracing your own cross and following the footsteps of the Son of Man. In matters of worldly significance, you may find yourself feeling inconsequential, yet the divine mandate calls you to love others as you love yourself. This is the essence of being of value to God. Heed the cautionary words of Jesus in Luke 12:15: "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Furthermore, embrace the understanding that if the world harbors animosity towards you, it is a reflection of its prior disdain for me. Being chosen out of the world signifies a distinct separation from its values, as Jesus explained in John 15:18-19. Therefore, embrace humility under God's formidable guidance. Reflect on Jesus' profound inquiry in Mark 8:36: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" This underscores the futility of worldly gain in the face of spiritual loss. The path from being perceived as inconsequential in the eyes of God to becoming invaluable lies through genuine repentance. This transformative journey is not just about turning away from sin but also about realigning with the divine will, thus embodying the love and humility that Jesus exemplified. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 9, 2024)