No Time for Self-Centered Focus

I had the opportunity to be in Lakewood today for grandson’s Riley and Caed’s games. Riley has two baseball games and Caed a flag football game. It was great to seem the in action and observe their growth and progress. After church this evening Debbie and I connected with our friends Ted and Murlene Grizzle. This couple have been such great support through my health crisis and it was hard to believe that it had been about two years since we had all been together.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3,4 ESV

As Paul writes to the Philippians he is in prison and is sharing how his persecution has resulted in the gospel message advancing. This persecution was not limited to Paul, but was being experienced by others and Paul wanted believers to know,  “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had….” (Philippians 1:29,30 ESV)

When difficulties arise, it is not time for focusing on self, but joining together in mutual encouragement and support. So we see Paul lifting up the attitudes and actions that are to characterize God’s people. Things like, “…encouragement in Christ….comfort from love… participation in the Spirit….affection and sympathy…being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:1,2 ESV)

This description is what is to be found in the midst of God’s people, living by God’s ways. Paul then warns against that which would undermine Christian unity and weaken the ability to stand against the assaults of faith. In a word it is, “self.” Selfish ambition and conceit. Paul had already pointed to those who “preached the gospel” with impure motives based in “envy and rivalry.” (Philippians 1:15)

True strength in times of difficulty is when the focus is on “we” and not “me.” Paul says to stay humble and to “count others more significant than yourselves.” He goes on and uses Christ as the example. Christ as the eternal Son of God, humbled Himself, came to earth in human form and lived in obedience to the Father’s will, serving God’s purposes.

Seeing God’s people live this type of life would not only make Paul’s “joy complete” but it would create as sense of joy and peace among God’s people because of following Christ’s example.

Prayer for today….. Lord serving You, involves putting ourselves aside and serving others. In times of trial and testing it is the ability to “come together” and to be united that makes the difference. We have seen that in many ways in families and in our nation. Help us to remember that is what pleases You and bring joy to Your heart as well as to our lives.