“Do nothing
out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above
yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests
of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4
If
you believe that God provides for and sustains you in this life, then it should
become easier to look to the interests of others over yourself. Society today has a ‘me first’ mentality, one
that focuses on self rather than others.
One of the mantras that is espoused is ‘God helps those who help themselves’.
While not found in the Bible anywhere, this attitude definitely reveals the
selfish nature of mortal man.
It
becomes difficult for believers as they wonder how they can value others above
themselves when their own finances are unstable and their life is filled with
tension as a result. My friends be at peace. Has the Lord failed you? Have your core needs of clothing and food
been met? Perhaps your focus is on your
supposed lack and not on the One who provides all things to those whose trust
is solely in Him. Ask the Lord to free
you from your worry so that you may once again look to the interests of
others. Be not selfish or vain in your
pursuits for it is unseemly for a child of the Most High God.
It is
not the intention of God to make your life more difficult. He wishes you to grow in the grace and knowledge
of Christ (2 Peter 3:18). The more we know of the Lord the more we will trust
Him even in the most dire of circumstances, knowing full well that He and He
alone is the only true and lasting answer to any and all problems we may
encounter in this life. Shed
selfishness, pride and vanity through the power of the Holy Spirit and live a
life that is wholly pleasing to the Lord. Until next time, walk with the King
and be a blessing!
Note: Philippi, named after
Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, was located eight miles north
of Neapolis, the port city. Philippi became a Roman colony in 42 b.c. It was a
strategic city for the launching of Western Christianity.
