The Correspon

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Bible Study 9:30 AMWorship 10:30 AMWorship 6:00 PM

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For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth... in every place. (1 Thessalonians 1:8)

Vol. 44, No. 31 Collinsville Church of Christ August 3, 2016

e are living in a world filled with selfish people. Everyone seems to be out for number one." They are trying to claw their way to the top and

think nothing of the people that they step on to get there. A line from an old song by the O’Jays states, “They smile in your face, all the time they want to take your place, the back stabbers.” This seems to be the attitude of many who have come to the conclusion that its “a dog eat dog world” and only the strong will survive. Those who possess this attitude are prone to be mistrustful and suspicious of those around them (friend and foe alike). They also suffer from stress and worry.

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Paul offers a simple solution to this attitude and the subsequent problems that result from it:

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Phi. 2:3-4).

Notice that humility is the key to getting along with others. When we highly value others and put their needs first, relationships will prosper. This is true with friends, family, society, and business. Remember, Paul warned, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Gal. 5:15).

To assure that you put others first you must develop the mind of Christ (Phi. 2:5ff). Jesus did not seek to promote Himself, but rather “made himself of no reputation” (2:7a). Furthermore, He “took upon him the form of a servant” (2:7b). Jesus was “highly exalted” because He humbly obeyed God—even to the point of dying on the cross (2:9).

On one occasion, the apostles were arguing over who among them was greatest. “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). A life of service will assure that you keep your self-worth in proper perspective. Paul warned that every man is

“not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think” (Rom. 12:3).

Getting along with others does not mean that you have to compromise truth. It does require humble servitude. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (12:18). Are you doing your part to get along with others?

Via the Beacon, June 6, 2016Bellview Church of Christ, Pensacola, FL

******* Passing an old cemetery, it was noticed that the

tombstones varied quite a bit. One in fact stood out. It stood about 10-12 feet high, like a miniature Washington monument. Why would one want a tombstone to stand out so much? That is a question I cannot answer. However, many want to stand out in this life because of pride. We must be careful that we are not overcome by our concern for things in this life. We must concentrate on eternity. We all come to the same end. The one with the biggest tombstone does not win. The one obedient to God wins.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions — is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17 ESV

Strive for the eternal victory today. A crown of jewels will be worthless compared to the crown of life.

TLM

Collinsville Church of Christ1400 Troy RoadCollinsville, IL 62234Phone: (618) 667-6708Email: collinsvillecoc@att.net

Getting Along with OthersBy Bruce Stulting