Pray the words of this Lazaroo aloud, with every fiber of your being: 

“I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you.”
(Philemon 1:12)

Most people can’t do that, Jesus.

Their actions are based solely on what’s best for them.

If they can do a favor for someone else while doing one of equal or greater value for themselves…

well, then…that’s okay.

But if there’s nothing in it for them, forget it!

Worse yet – if it appears to actually

cost them something
hurt them
set them back in some way
inconvenience them
create more work for them

they find the idea ludicrous.

But that’s not who Paul was.

He was determined to do what was right
no matter what it cost him.

But why?

Was Paul not as bright
as the “Me first!” crowd?

Just the opposite.

Paul was brilliant enough to recognize
that the wisest thing he could ever do for himself

was to put You first.

_________
Exodus 20:3-6; Exodus 34:14; 1 Chronicles 21:22-25; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Matthew 6:28-33; Luke 17:7-10; John 3:26-30; James 2:1-4; 1 Peter 5:5-7

What is Lazaroo?

Take Me Deeper

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.