Philippians 2:3-4(ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
It is clear that some of the prevailing characteristics of people living in the last days would be selfishness, self-centeredness, and inconsideration for others. However, Apostle Paul admonishes us not to be motivated by selfish or personal ambition. He says we should count others more significant than ourselves. That is, our thoughts and opinions of others should far exceed ours. In other words, rather than considering ourselves glorious and setting ourselves on top of a pedestal, we should see everyone else as glorious and worthy of higher consideration. The truth is that we are sometimes selfish. Yet, we never give thought to how in the process, we have not only wounded a brother, but we have hurt the Lord as well. While selfish ambition and pride can ruin unity, genuine humility can build it. It is easy to get caught up in competition, aggressive acquiring, and vying for our own rights and needs. But compared to knowing Christ, these interests seem shallow. As believers, we cannot only be absorbed in our own affairs, but we are to be interested in others. Christians have the responsibility to represent Jesus Christ in the world. We are to live as channels of divine mercy and kindness, both within the Church and the world. Romans 15:2 says, “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”
Focusing on others attracts focus from Heaven. When we are concerned about others, God takes care of our own desires. In other words, when we know how to put the interests of others first and to bless, doors cannot close against us. As Christians, be gracious enough to help others and love them enough to care about them. We are God’s outstretched arm of blessings, love, and care to this world. So, let the interests of others be our priority. We may be praying and asking God to change our stories or shift our lives to the next level; why not pray for others, just as Job did for his friends? Job 42:10 says, “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Rather than being overwhelmed by the issues in our lives, begin to pray for other people and families. When we live with this consciousness, miracles will happen in our lives without us having to ask. Our light must shine so much that the reflection would brighten the paths of others in darkness and thereby bring glory to God. It is far better to use the abilities God has given us to glorify Him and help others than it is to use them to puff ourselves up. Never be the first through the door; our time is not more precious than anyone, and neither are our rights more important than someone’s.
Beloved, God is calling you to love and care for one another. Trust God to give you the strength to die to yourself daily. As you die to self, value others, for it is in your giving that your growth comes, for you cannot love without giving. Make life better for others today by loving and helping them. Be more interested in lifting people to greater heights in life instead of yourself. Seek to walk in spirit and truth and to love as Christ loved you so that whatever you do in word or deed, you do all to the glory of God. The truth is, pure joy comes when the people around you are also happy. So, start planting one good seed after another, and eventually, you’ll enjoy a good harvest. Kindness isn’t so much what you do for yourself but others. Have a determination to show someone kindness which only God can repay. As you start this new day, the love of God shall overshadow your life. Today, receive the GRACE to make a mark on somebody’s life in the Name of Jesus! Endeavor to correct, strengthen, and encourage each other in love along the way, making sure not to destroy anyone who falls into an error because of one weakness or the other. Remember that whatever you’ve been casting out is always what you find down the road.
O Lord, deliver me from selfishness and self-centered attitude. Help me put others first in Jesus’ Name.