You are Not the Sun

In the early 1500’s an astronomer named Nicolaus Copernicus proposed a new view of the universe that stated the earth was NOT the center of the universe. For centuries the view was held by scientist and church leaders alike that the earth was the focal point of the universe. This view was so strongly held that Galileo who championed the Copernicanism was declared a dangerous heretic by the Catholic Church. Galileo was eventually forced to recant his heliocentrism and spent the last years of his life under house arrest on orders of the inquisition.

It is difficult for us to even imagine a world like that. However, the reality is that we created our own form of a geocentric universe. We could not help ourselves. We created such a universe because we need it. You do not have any memories of the beginning of such a creation because you and I were just infants.

As a parent, I have experienced the creation of this highly focused universe when my children were born. Life revolved around them and their needs, their comfort, their safety. We understand that for a period of time our children will be in this dependent and egocentric world. However, the time does come when we expect them to mature and develop a worldview that includes others as important as themselves. It is frustrating and irritating if a child remains in this self-centered way of thinking when they reach adulthood. They just become a large baby!
In Philippians 2 Paul says “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” A mature Christian is one who is not enamored with themselves, their needs, their way, but one who actively looks to discover and then meet the needs of others.

Here are some reflective questions.

1. Do I spend and inordinate amount of time focused on meeting my needs?
2. Who are the last five people that I went out of my way to help in some tangible way?
3. Do I practice using my spiritual eyes to see beneath the surface of others to deep needs?
4. Do I pray on a daily basis that God will provide me opportunity to connect with someone who needs a loving act?