He Worked for the Good of Others

Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes preeminent among the Jews and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews because he worked for  the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.  Esther 10:3

The book of Esther closes with this message:  the high estimation of Mordecai is directly connected to his work and risk for other people--his people. 

This story concludes that the measure of a man is who/what motivates said man to act.  Haman, the evil antagonist in Esther is motivated to satisfy his rage, and is brought low.  Mordecai is elevated for his motivation to save his people from this evil.

Am I motivate to act, to risk for the best interests of others?   So I seek the esteem of those around me who act and risk for the best interest of others?  

The question came up in class yesterday:  how do we move from obedience to the command love thy neighbor to the simple but powerful desire to love thy neighbor?   Such a shift is through the work of the Spirit, but what posture do I need to assume to be cooperative?

*ask the question:  what would benefit them
*how can I celebrate that which benefits them
*remember the power, not just the value of living for other's betterment
*be creative, who and how have I never considered
*remember in Scripture how blessed people were when this love of love was followed
*consider honestly the real destruction I cause when motivated by self

That list is a good start for a Monday morning.  It would benefit from some additional contributions...