“We need to put some stuff aside to communicate with people” (Richard Nyhof, sermon comment). Jesus put aside his equality with God and became a servant in the form of a baby in order to communicate God’s redemption to us (Philippians 2:6).
For me, I need to put aside my own agendas and plans in order to be more genuinely interested in others. If I’m constantly thinking of what I really want or ‘need’ to be doing while interacting with someone, I cannot communicate genuine interest or concern for that person – they will see that I am wanting to be moving on to something that is more important to me.
Jesus did not need to put aside his own agenda to take on human form and be crucified for us – this IS his agenda! It should also be mine: God’s plan of redemption is His glory, and the chief end of man is to glorify God (Westminster catechism). The very purpose of my existence is to participate in God’s plan of redemption.
Glorifying God by spreading His gospel is the purpose of my existence – the ultimate agenda for my life. All other plans and agendas I have should serve this ultimate one (and not just tangentially!).
I need to adjust some of my plans!
Mike McArthur 