The Monster Truck Show!

Last weekend was my grandson Jack’s fourth birthday. His birthday wish? To go to a monster truck show. So that is what we did—Jack’s dad, two sets of grandparents, and older brother Jesse. And Jack had the time of his life!   

If you know me at all, you know that attending a monster truck show would not be high on my list. In fact, it would most probably never enter my mind. Yes, it was fun…to a degree. The trucks made a lot of noise, did amazing wheelies and donuts and jumps, and kicked up a lot of dust.  But what was most fun was seeing how excited Jack and his brother Jesse were. After all, I was there not for myself and what I liked or didn’t like. I was there for them. And knowing that they were having a great time was worth it all! 

Unfortunately, too often we make our lives strictly about ourselves, making ourselves the center of our worlds.  Thus, if something doesn’t suit us or bring us some direct benefit, we turn our backs on it—even if it will be a blessing or bring joy to someone else. There’s little thought of sacrificing our likes, tastes, desires, etc. for the sake of someone else. We want what we want and do what is best for us, thinking little of what is best for others.  

The Apostle Paul, knowing this tendency within us, wrote these words: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5 – NIV)  Paul then describes how Jesus himself thought not of what was best for himself, but of what was best for us—thus giving his life for us, all the way to death on the cross. 

If we are to live our lives as Jesus would have us to—i.e., following his example—we must learn what it means to “value others above yourselves” by “not looking to your own interests.”  It will mean, doing what is best for others even when it may not be best for ourselves. It may mean sacrificing of our time, resources, energies, and desires. We may end up doing some things simply to bring joy into someone else’s life.  

Am I looking forward to attending my next monster truck show? Probably not. But if it means seeing the excitement and joy on the faces of my grandsons, you just might see me there again! 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris