ME then WE

I was reading in the book of Joshua this week in my quiet time and something jumped out at me.

It was two words - the words "ME" and "WE."

These two words are found in Joshua 24:15. It says this.

"But if you refuse to serve the Lord then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for ME and my family, WE will serve the LORD.”

Notice the progression - ME comes before WE.

It reminds me of another verse found in I Timothy 4:16.

"Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you."

Notice what it says in this verse. It says you must first watch how you are living and teaching if you want to impact those who you minister to.

If you want to impact peoples' life, then ME must come before WE.

If you want to see kids and families have a growing relationship with Jesus, then ME must have a growing relationship so WE can follow our example.

If you want kids and families to be generous, then ME must model a life of generosity before WE.

If you want kids and families to have the courage to stand for Jesus in a post Christian world, then ME must first be courageous for the WE's that are watching him or her.

If you want kids and families to pray during the week, then ME must lead the way for WE.

If you want kids and families to share their faith, then ME must show WE how to share their faith.

If you want kids and families to read the Bible, then Me must show WE how to read the Bible.

If we want kids and families to have a Christian world-view in a post-Christian culture, then ME must teach WE what it means to have a Christian world-view.

Work on ME before you work on WE.

Focus on ME and then focus WE.

Keep ME passionately following God and WE will be excited about following God.

Remember the pre-flight safety instructions they do before taking off? Buckle your seat belt. Cushion under you is a flotation device, etc. There is one part of the presentation that always catches my attention. It's when they say, "If the cabin pressure should drop, oxygen masks will fall from the compartment above you. Place the mask over your face and begin breathing into it. If you are traveling with a child, then make sure you secure your own mask before assisting them."

Now why do they say this? It's because if you pass out, you can't help your child put on his or her mask. And it's the same principle for parents as they raise their children. If you, as a parent or church leader, are not spiritually healthy, it will be hard to pass on your faith to the next generation. They can see through the facade and will more than likely get sidetracked.

Make sure ME stays spiritually healthy so ME can pass on a genuine faith to WE. Remember, ME comes before WE. If ME will be the spiritual leader, then WE will follow.