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Not my Interests, but the Interests of Others

Wednesday, October 11th

Not My Interests But the Interests of Others
By: Pastor Melissa Beauvais


“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 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 2:1-4

The command Paul gives in this passage “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit” should stick out to us and pierce our hearts to the core. Looking to our own self interests and desires is nothing uncommon to humanity.  Yet, as Paul says when we are united in Christ, we have something in common! We are family and our bloodline is Jesus. We are one in spirit because of Who dwells within each of us.

Jesus’ love propels us to do something different, to see and to choose others’ interests over our own. That is Kingdom living. The Way of Jesus means to take a knee rather than stand with our chests puffed up. Humility leads to finding unity and not uniformity. It means to quiet our opinions at times. It is showing mercy and grace when that is the last thing we want to do. It is serving your enemy instead of hating them.
 
Paul needed to call out what was happening in the church of Phillipi and where the Church was seeking their own interests and creating a hierarchy system of their own. Does this sound familiar? Why is it so hard to humble ourselves as Christ followers at times?

Prayer: Father, You are so gracious and kind. Forgive me when I have put myself and my own interests and needs in front of You and others. Holy Spirit, teach me the art of humility and living a life like Jesus who served and gave to others needs before His own. LORD, guide my thoughts and capture them when they are not of You. Teach me Your ways so I may love as You have loved. Amen.

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