Philippians 2 - 12.5.24
S - 3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5
O – Paul writes this personal letter to the Philippians to thank the believers for helping him when he had needs, to encourage them to be content, and to find joy in Christ through ALL circumstances. In chapter 2 he is telling us to find joy in serving others by imitating Christ’s humility. Christ who came to serve us and not to be served.
A – This verse goes so far against the worldly view that says always look out for number one; protect yourself, take care of yourself, acquire all the toys, go on all the vacations, eat, drink, and be merry. THEN if you have some time, or some extra, maybe donate some to a worthy cause and feel good about yourself. Many people, even Christians, live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. Selfish ambition brings discord. When we live to please ourselves, we are not following God’s Greatest Commandment which clearly states to put others first. He tells us many times throughout His Word. Here are just a few:
Matthew 22:37-39 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.
Leviticus 19:18 18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.
Mark 12:31 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
NO greater commandment then to love God and your neighbor. Then WHY aren’t we doing that?! My heart cringes every time I watch someone put a higher value on their time than on my life when they run a red light out here (which seems to be the norm now). Or why isn’t the entire Church serving in some capacity? How many of us say I don’t have time to help my neighbor because I have things to do, yet we cry out to God when we are in need of help. Or how many of us don’t show up to church on a Sunday because maybe we were up too late and needed to sleep? We need to prioritize showing God and others that we truly love Him/them. God came to earth to humbly SERVE us, THEN he gave His life for us by dying a horrible death on a cross. Showing up for others should be seen as a privilege to be used by God…..to show them HE cares for their well-being and all of their concerns. Can’t we simply be kind to one another? What if we ALL let that person squeezing their way in, cut in front of us in traffic, or we ALL held that door open for someone even though we ourselves are running late, or we ALL bought that homeless man on the corner a meal, or we ALL made that phone call to someone we know is hurting right in the middle of our hectic day? Can you picture what a different world we would see? What a ripple effect it could have on mankind! What if that one act of generosity or kindness changed the trajectory of that one person’s life for the better? What if God revealed Himself to them in that moment because of your kindness? That’s a lot of what ifs, but they are good, and they are Godly.
When we work together, caring for the problems and needs of others as if they were our own problems and needs, we demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first and we experience unity. Selfish ambition can ruin a church, but selflessness can bring a multitude of others in the doors and on their way to becoming Disciples of Christ!
I love that our church has an annual tradition to tangibly love others during our Crazy Generous, Christmas at Desert Streams Church. This year we have two families we have adopted through Family Promise, as well as an option to give to Global Missions. We have a team going to India at the end of the month and our $1 goes a LONG way there! We can ALL participate on some level, even if we need to buy one less gift for someone in our own family this year. If you haven’t done so, please pray and take a moment to be Crazy Generous!
Crazy Generous — Desert Streams Church
P - God, I humbly come to you and ask for forgiveness for myself, and for any of my brothers and sisters who are living only for ourselves and not putting the needs of others FIRST. Help us to first SEE the needs of others by moving away from our own selfish thoughts and desires. Help us to not turn away from the needs we see and to seek ways to love your people as you have called us to do. In Jesus’ name I pray! Amen!
- Crystal Flory
