LOOKING OUT FOR OTHERS

Philippians 2:3-4 (NASB 1995) Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

In our society right now, everyone seems to be looking out for themselves and their family.  Taking care of #1.  It is so opposite of what the Word teaches us as believers.  Freely you have received, freely you ought to give (Matthew 10:8).  It is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35).  Our scripture tells us to regard others more important than ourselves and to do it with humility.  Jesus told us to come learn of Him.  We are to be yoked up with Him so that He can give us rest, but rarely does anyone mention one important thing that He said.  He said, “Come learn of me because I am humble” (Matthew 11:29).  Humility is a key part of who Jesus is and, therefore, what Jesus did while He walked on the Earth as a man.  He truly showed us how to do this when He washed the disciples’ feet and told us to go and do likewise, with humility (John 13:1:15).

What does that look like for us?  Is it a foot washing service?  I am not opposed to those, but it cannot stop there.  It comes by looking out for the personal interest of others.  Our scripture tells how Jesus did this and why we should also do it.  Philippians 2:5 tells us to have Jesus’ mind set.  Verses 6 and 7 talk about how Jesus humbled Himself.  Verse 8 says for Him it led Him to the cross, the biggest sacrifice ever made for mankind.  You don’t need to go to the cross, but you will need to pick up your cross; and part of following Jesus is looking to the interest and needs of other people.  What you and I must do going forward is get our eyes of desires and wants (God has already met those; just receive it) and look towards the needs of others.  Lord, please send someone across my path that I can help today!