October 10, 2015
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:3-4
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Questions for Reflection:
Paul’s primary concern is the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ (as we saw in chapter one). However, Paul realizes that one of the most effective ways to communicate the message is through united Christians loving and serving together. To that end, Paul issues another command that allows us to live in unity. What was the command? How can you value others above yourself? Does that come naturally to you or is it hard to do that? What makes it difficult for you to do that?
Frank Thielman in his commentary on Philippians writes about the profound impact that this outward-focused life would have. He writes:
“Since God commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and since our neighbors include not only God’s people but others as well, it seems proper to seek ways of upholding God’s vision for public justice by relieving oppression, effecting peace, and alleviating suffering within society. When we do this, we are following the biblical model of leaving the work of retaliation to God, focusing on our citizenship in his kingdom, and living such other-centered lives that those around us want to become citizens of that kingdom as well.”
In what way can you play the interest of others ahead of your own interest today?