As a rule, "everyone looks out for their own interests" (Phil 2:21). However, there are some people who really get it that the way of Christ or true discipleship is to show genuine concern for the welfare of others (v. 20).
This mindset of Christ Jesus is what propelled him to relinquish his divine porogative and empty himself, taking on human form and accepting the way of the cross on our behalf (vv. 5-8).
It is a rare quality, which comes as a gift of grace from above that allows one to set aside all personal interests and focus on the need of the other. When we see it in action, we are moved within. Sometimes we call these people heroes, sometimes we call them mothers, sometimes we call them true friends, but we always are encouraged by their selfless acts on our or other's behalf.
There was one disciple in the New Testament, "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means 'son of encouragement')" (Acts 4:6), that so personified this trait, he could only be rightly called by it. Sort of like those people, who light a room just by walking in and we feel compelled to call them Sunshine.
This trait, this Barnabas Factor, if you will, that compels people to sacrifice self is what made this country great and what keeps it safe. God blessed America by giving us an abundance of Barnabas types. This blessed nation is the Land of the free by the hand of the brave - the brave who are willing to die that others might be free.
Wouldn't you say that this very Barnabas Factor from the Spirit of Christ is the very reason we ought to gives thanks to God in this country today and every day?
Just' Askn.
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