The Challenge

Howdy again! I am working on a project and Katie was kind enough to let me post it on here and give you all the chance to try it out. I am calling it The Challenge.

Explanation

Friendships, whether those of friends or siblings, are most hurt by selfishness, which is a form of pride. The best way to mend these things – whether they are hurt friendships or relationships – or how to stop any hurt from starting at all is to be rid of selfishness. This is one of the hardest things of all to get rid of, but once it is gone it offers freedom unlike any other – but for the freedom of salvation.

The Challenge offers daily steps one can take in helping to get rid of selfishness and help one in becoming a servant. I am not claiming this cures everything, or that life will be better by doing this. But I pray you learn something as you accept not only my challenge but God's. Are you willing to take His challenge of being a servant to all? Are you willing to lay aside selfishness and pride and be free?

The main step in taking the challenge is a willingness to do it. If you are not willing to accept, not willing to try and lay aside selfishness then the challenge will do you no good. However, if you are willing to try and be open then continue on, and keep in mind to do this as unto God and not unto men – to get His praise alone even if men never see what you are doing.

Friendship Challenge

To begin to give up selfishness starts with taking an interest in others. It will already help if you know what your friends like and dislike, what they enjoy doing in their spare time. However, if you do not know this step may be a little harder for you.
Today's step is to spend half of an hour with a friend you do not normally spend time with. Now, to accomplish this step you simply cannot spend half an hour doing something you like with the friend. Instead, do something they really enjoy, even if you may not. If you do not know what they like the best way is direct – ask them.

If you, as is possible with some, have no friends around close to you spend time with an online friend. Most everyone these days has access to some form of chat box, or instant messenger. You two can talk for half an hour – on something they like. Get to know them better, ask them about themselves while remembering to use open questions. Take an interest in what they say.

If you have no form of instant talking sit down and write a letter to a friend, asking them about themselves and things they have been doing. When you get a reply – remember your letter must be hand written, no emails unless you do not have their address – make sure you pay attention to what they answered and, once more, take an interest.

Also, remember, all this must come from the heart. If you do not do this willingly or cheerfully the effect is lost.