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Philippians 2:4 - Selfishness or Selflessness and the Love of Others.Philippians 2:4 (NLT) Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.INTRODUCTION Many people - even Christians - live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But selfishness brings discord. Paul therefore stressed spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in spirit and purpose. When we work together, caring for the problems of others as if their problems were ours, we demonstrate Christ's example of putting others first, and we experience unity. Don't be so concerned about making a good impression or meeting your own needs that you strain relationships in God's family. Paul encourages us to guard against any selfishness, prejudice, or jealousy that might lead to dissension. Showing genuine interest in others is a positive step forward in maintaining unity among believers. [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL Selfishness and self-centeredness can be found at the core of most interpersonal problems. Each one wants his or her own way; one withholds what should be shared; the other consumes what should be saved. There is no end to the cycle of "I will do it my way!" That is, until Jesus Christ is made Lord in your life! When Jesus is Lord, self is displaced; as we continue to surrender, self dwindles. The degree to which Jesus reigns in your heart determines your ability to give instead of take. Because of Jesus, relationships are changed: we become willing to share, and give. How are you doing in this area? Examine the core of interpersonal problems in your life, and where necessary, change them with God's help. [In His Time; Walk With Wisdom] COMMENTARY Importance of Impact There is no room for selfishness in the kingdom of God. That is not to say there isn't any room for self. Selfishness means to have concern for oneself to a fault. Knowing what is healthy for us, having appropriate boundaries, and knowing our giftings and weaknesses are an important part of preserving our energy. There is nothing wrong with personal interests. It is when we are only concerned with our own interests that selfishness takes over. The kingdom of God is always expanding, reaching out, and extending mercy. It is countercultural to choose to look out for the interests of others knowing the favor may never be returned. But it is very like the kingdom of God to do this! Let's love, therefore, in word and deed, in intention, and in action. Our choices impact others whether we recognize it or not, so let's be more intentional about the benefit of others. In your interactions today consider others before you interject your own preferences. [365 Days of Courage by Sara Perry of Broadstreet Pub] ILLUSTRATION I went to my daughter's robotics state championship recently. Knowing I'd be there for 8 hours, I brought work to do. Kids were applauding and cheering for each other all day long as part of the primary pillar of robotics: gracious professionalism. Whenever Jocelyn's team wasn't actively competing, I'd put in ear plugs and work. Suddenly, there was such a thunder of clapping and yelling I heard it through my ear plugs. Looking up, it seemed like one robot was stealing cones from the other to get more points. Jocelyn explained that that wasn't the case at all. After one team's robot fell over, the other team stopped what they were doing. Sacrificing their opportunity to rack up more points, they used their robot to pick up the other one, getting it back on its gears so it could participate. This was a competition! The point was to get as many points as possible to be the best in the state. That team didn't win in points, but they sure did in gracious professionalism. Their choice to build up the other team instead of taking advantage of their downfall drew the most praise and applause of the day. Jesus role-modeled gracious professionalism when He came to serve instead of being served. Getting ahead and having more than others is not what His Kingdom is about. It's about stopping what we're doing to lend a hand to someone in need to help them get back on their feet so they can move forward. No doubt, serving like Jesus draws the most praise and applause from Him. Claire McGarry Faith Step: Take time today to help someone in need to get back on their feet. [Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Philippians 2:4 - Selfishness or Selflessness and the Love of Others. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220915-0813.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210721-1123.html 1 Corinthians 10:24 - For The Good Of Others And The Glory Of God. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2010/20100816-2031.html Mark 12:29-31 - Love for God and Mankind; Spirit and Summary of The Ten Commandments. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210327-1008.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |