Someone recently made the comment, "there's nothing in it for me" regarding a situation we were discussing.

The world teaches that if there is nothing in it for you, then why bother?  The best thing you can do is not get involved.  Of course, the world is out for #1 so why be shocked when the philosophy the world is pedaling is one grounded in selfishness?

What is ironic is that Jesus Christ is the only person who could have justifiably said, "There is nothing in it for me."  But for no reason other than his deep love and compassion for people, He chose to do it anyway.  He had it all…In fact, He still has it all.  He didn't "need" to endure the day to day struggles the path to the cross would bring.  He didn't have to withstand the persecution, the mocking, the beatings, being spit on, the dirty looks…..and after all that, what was in it for Him?  ---the most excruciating death imaginable.  (If you need to see it with your own eyes, then during this Easter season I encourage you to watch or maybe re-watch the Passion of the Christ.  It will remind you how much He loves you and how little was in it for Him.)

There was nothing in it for Him.  But He did it anyway.  He did it for us. 

I think we forget sometimes what "Christian" means…We are supposed to be "little Christs."  Sure, everyday we fall short, but at least we TRY.  Then tomorrow, we start off with a new day and we begin again.  We are supposed to have the mind of Christ.  We're supposed to live our lives trying to be like Him.  We should be the first ones to do something for someone else regardless of whether or not we benefit.  If Christians won't "do it anyway"… good grief, who will?

We should live a life of sacrifice, just like our Savior did.

What a better time than Easter for us to be reminded of this truth.  So, the next time you have the opportunity to do something for someone else and there's really nothing in it for you, think long and hard about your decision.  Before you choose to buy into the lies that the world is selling, as corny and cliché as it may sound….think about "What Jesus Would Do"…That moment of pause may cause your response to change…Even though there is nothing in it for you, you may just "do it anyway"…plainly and simply because of your love and compassion for someone else.

--"Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when it is lived for others." Helen Keller