“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

My Space

On a missions trip it’s always good to have a buddy. Going to Mexico this year, the Lord blessed me with a great buddy. We were partners during the day in our duties, shared many laughs, and had good fellowship in the evenings. We also had a great team!

My buddy would call me out on behaviors. For example because I had done this before, I knew the work during the day is long and tiring. I knew the facility where we stayed at night and where I could have “my space” to have “my comforts.” (I’m embarrassed to write this.) She would look intently at me and say, “Are you really on a missions trip?” I could see my manipulative desires and plans. The facility was great and all the rooms were comfortable, and any room would have been fine. It’s good to have a buddy who keeps you honest and right-hearted before the Lord, the team, and those we are serving. We need each other.

This is one of many things we can learn on mission trips. Cultures and behaviors are noticeably different. Relationships are the center of importance in other countries, not motivated so much by time or comforts, but by hard work and survival. They see the value in family and friends, realizing the necessity for each other for survival and for enjoyment. I feel I’ve only begun to understand the depth in this. Even when they have very little, they are big-hearted and generous. We go because the Lord calls us to serve, but we get so many spiritual riches back. If we’re willing to see, the Lord will reveal much about us personally that we may not want to see, but, just as surgery is sometimes necessary, so is this needed for spiritual health and growth. We learn to lay down desires and comforts, to esteem others, and to give, looking to their best interests and being in tune with the Lord’s desires, being dependent on Him.

I love the Lord’s patience and care even when it’s obvious I need to trade “my space” for His, to lay down my comforts for others, and act on His revelation of my selfish ambitions by surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s work in my heart. I’m amazed that as He is making my space His, He is pouring through me to others, loving on them and calling them to His truth. This can happen wherever we are when we are focused on His will, love and purpose, being lowly-minded.

“Thank You, Lord, that You change my space to Your space. We surrender our hearts and minds to Your will, work and purpose. Thank You for the buddies and other blessings You generously give along the way. All for Your glory, Lord. Amen.”