Godly Traits

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of other as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” – Philippians 2:3-5 

                  Although Paul’s main reason for writing this letter was to thank the brethren at Philippi for their generous gift, he also had to address a problem of disunity. Because we are human, we cause many of our own problems. It is difficult for some, perhaps most, people in general and more specifically, believers, to not be what Paul is stating we are. When I read the above verses I stop and say, in a rather whimsical way, ‘I resemble that remark’. It’s true. We are all painfully flawed and broken. Paul says we mustn’t be selfish, which to me is like saying ‘don’t breathe’. Our first inclination needs to be another’s need and not our own, but as hard as we try, we are not good people. Let’s be honest with ourselves. We tend to be self-centered, self-absorbed individuals who consider Godly things somewhere down the list of importance.

                  Paul is telling the church brethren what they ought to do and what they ought not to do. Like the Philippian church we too are to love one another and put others first, thus bringing about unity. Let disagreements evaporate in the light of our compassionate God. Stop judging others based on externals. Pray for one another. 

The characteristics listed above should have no place in the heart and mind of a man of God, yet we struggle with them. There are times when I wonder why God has anything to do with me. Though I try, I struggle to stay focused and maintain consistency in my walk. In a way, it’s kind of like trying to walk across a Circus high wire juggling balls. If we would just give that entire situation over to God to orchestrate for us, we’d be much better off. 

Study Christ’s word, actions and reactions to things around him. Study him like you were preparing to play his part in a play. Living a Christ-like life will become very fulfilling, but we have to put down the TV remote and do it. God wants us to succeed in this life in His name. Success in God’s economy is real and eternal. Success in this world brings about temporal satisfaction. Take Paul’s words to heart. Look in the mirror and access yourself. Let the Spirit extricate the undesirable traits and replace them with Christ-like traits. It’s a matter of allowing God to mold you into all you can be in Him. Let Him do His thing in you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries