This week I want to start off with some verses, we who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:1-7 These verses tell us how to be an example of Jesus, not for our glory, but for His glory. So much of today’s culture is to try to get to the top of the social and economic ladder to find happiness. But when we arrive we do not find happiness, we find that we are less happy than when we were at the bottom of the ladder. It is fine to be at the top of the ladder, but if you are trying to make that your life’s goal, then you will find that it is lonely at the top. Because we have been just trying to please ourselves and not trying to think of the needs of others and serving as Christ served us. But if we are always seeking to go higher up the ladder, then church will become a religious obligation instead of a rejuvenation of the fire within us. So this week let’s strive to break cultural trends and instead of seeking happiness from making our way up the ladder, we should see the needs of people around us. See if we can help them and shine the light of Jesus through helping others. Showing them that Jesus is still in control even with everything going on in today’s world. Also, this week let’s set an example to others of who Jesus is and not be a stumbling block on their way to Jesus. Be in the world, but not of the world.