Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5
Nothing means nothing. There is no wiggle room when it comes to being selfish. No “I’ve earned it” days. Nothing…
It seems harsh, but when you look at the two negative influencers that Paul highlights, a hint of selfishness leads to a corruption of pride.
Vain values oneself more than they ought. A prideful attitude fixated on comparing themselves with others.
Conceit examines oneself without identifying the flaws of their character and actions. Unwilling to see their part in conflict.
This is the internal struggle against sanctification; a resistance to be made into the image of Christ. Paul is speaking truth into this personal battle to embody the qualities of Christ’s character.
We must be governed by the mindset to place God and others over the desire to elevate ourselves.
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:24
Verse 4 is more complex than focusing on serving others. When properly translated, it points out that our interests should be the same as Christ and we ought to aid the needs of others. The interest the bible refers to, is of our need not our want.. We first must align our interests with Christ’s.
But made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Philippians 2:7
Our nature is to be a servant to God. We were created out of His prerogative to express love. When we seek His interest, then we will naturally seek to value others as Christ values. When we consider ourselves better than others, we do not actually love ourselves. By valuing ourselves first, we are destroying our very identity in pursuit of dependency from God. Not only should our interest be to glorify God, this is done by being attentive to the needs of others.
Rick Terletzky
Excerpt from "Philippians: A Devotional Study"
©2019 Kingship
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