It's our natural tendency to think about ourselves first. I can certainly attest to putting my needs, my wants, my family, at the top of my priority list. But as Christians, we should also be mindful of, concerned about and willing to help others. Paul puts it this way: "Do nothing from rivalry 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" (Phil. 2:3-4).
So would you say verses 3 and 4 describe you? Why or why not? What can you do to be more intentional about recognizing the interests of others? Tami W.
More Like Jesus
God made us to serve and honor him and by helping others and putting others needs first is a way we can honor him.. Praise God...
I am thankful for the reminder in the referenced verses and also for the nudging of the Holy Spirit in my life to be obedient to the calling. When I reflect, I'm sure the Lord is not 100% pleased with my application of these verses, as I do not constantly extend as I should. I am always moved, and do assist those of the 'household of faith' as clearly emphasized in God's Word. I am also mindful of those unfortunate persons begging on the streets and from time to time give them money, because I always say that I could be in their position had it not been for God's grace and mercy.
I continue to pray for the Spirit's enabling to remain committed to helping others, even if it is not financially, as a lot of times, a word of encouragement makes a big difference. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
I am reminded that I can never be Christ-like until I put all others before me. A work in progress. Sometimes I do well, other times I fail miserably. God is the God of second (and third and fourth and.....) chances.
I certainly strive each day to make these descriptors part of who I am.
i confess to the lord of my many failures on putting others before me or being mindful of their welfare. I want to do better.
Yes a work in progress is the right description..I still battle with monumental selfishness, in fact, putting others completely before myself is a foreign language, we were just not raised that way, but by His Grace we are being transformed and renewed in His image, I guess its like going to the gym other people so often notice the results more than you! I am so concious at work for my need to put my collegues interests over my own and that each day is a chance to minister to them..I pray for all of us here today that we will mature into the entirely selfless, humble and yet courageous Christians that the world desperately needs.