For the last several decades there is one motto that has been spoken a lot by psychologists and counselors, and that is to think of oneself. We’re told to do whatever makes us feel good, and to consider our own likes, dislikes, and pleasures first. They tell us that it is good for our mental health to think of ourselves, and what we would like. What does God’s Word say on this topic? Our Scripture today sheds some light on what God would have His children do.
Society today is all about “me”. People take “selfies” every time they turn around. With the rise of social media, this way of thinking has skyrocketed. Everything has become about me, me, me. My thoughts, my plans, my house, my vacation, my hobbies, my playlist of songs, even my menu of my food is constantly being spread on various social media sites. Not much, if any, interest in what anyone else thinks or does, unless it is to criticize or compare how “my way is better”. We’re told to do everything with ourselves in mind, everything for me. However, Jesus said that His followers are to be servants and to give to others first (Mark 10:42-45).
Paul repeated this admonition here in his letter to the Philippian church. The apostle instructs us to avoid doing anything through selfish ambition, but to be humble and think of others first, instead of always thinking about ourselves (vs. 3). Conceit is when we try to pursue personal glory. However personal glory is empty glory, and only motivates our own selfish ambitions. Followers of the Lord Jesus should lay aside all selfishness, and instead, treat others with respect and courtesy.
Following Jesus will give us an opportunity and desire to focus on others more than on ourselves (vs. 4). Self-focus leads to selfishness, but that should never be allowed to control us. Instead, with humility of mind, show an interest in the affairs and needs of others, not just our own. Instead of always “me, me, me”, consider how we can help others. What is happening in someone else’s life? How can I be of help to someone else? Be there when they need someone to weep with them, or to rejoice with them. That should be our focus instead of the spotlight always being on ourselves, our life, and needs.
Most of us would like to have joy in our lives. To find joy, we can use a little acronym with the word: Jesus, Others, Yourself. Think of Jesus first, others next, and yourself last. Consider others as more important than yourself. Support, encourage and build up the other person, and have an attitude that would rather give than receive (Acts 20:35).
Thinking of others rather than always thinking only of oneself will also help in bringing about unity in our churches. When Christians are united in the fundamental doctrines of God’s Word, and not squabbling about non-essentials, they are a powerful witness to the Gospel of Jesus (vs. 2). Our purpose is to represent Jesus to the lost, and not be in competition with other believers.
This brief Scripture passage shows us how to live in harmony with other believers. First, as verse 2 states, we need to have the same love for each other, without partiality. We need to be of one accord, united in spirit. We need to have one mind, have the same values and goals with our fellow believers. There should be no selfishness, conflict, friction, arrogance or pride among fellow Christians (vs. 3). Instead, with humbleness, consider others first before ourselves. Be just as concerned for the needs and problems of others, as we are about our own needs (vs. 4).
Many people, even Christians, live only to make a good impression on others, or to please themselves. This, as we see so often, only brings discord among others. As believers, the virtues that are in the Lord Jesus should also be developing in our lives. We need to practice these virtues with each other. Everyone can agree that Jesus did not think of Himself first. If He had, He would not have gone to the cross for our sins. We don’t necessarily have to give up our lives for others, but we can stop with the “me first” mentality the world has, and instead put Jesus first, others second, and ourselves third.
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