Ordinary Time 
Pause
It is often necessary to step back and look at something from a different point of view. One of Jesus’ many gifts was the ability to make people see something seemingly ordinary from a completely new perspective.
As you go about your day, allow Jesus to help you keep things—good and bad—in perspective.
Listen
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
Philippians 3:4b-6
Think
Bragging is a normal thing for people. We all want others to think we’re good at something, we’re worthy, and we’re needed. If we brag just to make ourselves feel better, then why does bragging about our accomplishments, material possessions, and knowledge only end up separating us from other people?
Boasting in Christ Jesus is something very different and offers our lives a shift in perspective from selfishness to others. Jesus presents an inclusive picture of God’s people.
It’s true, of course, that our strengths come from God, but they are designed to lift others up, not to lift ourselves up. With Jesus, we complement one another and are united in God, even in our differences.
Chris Cherry
Pray
Giver of Gifts, I know you made me unique. I know I am good at many things and I do have tremendous value. Help me to recognize those gifts and to boast only in you. Amen.
Go
It’s easy to only think about things from our one, limited perspective. Jesus pushes us to see differently.
Allow yourself to be challenged. Allow your eyes to be opened. Allow your life to be changed.
Go now, and let the value of knowing Jesus change the lens through which you see the world.
