Re:Verse reading–Philippians 2:1-11 (day seven)
“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”–v 4.
When Paul thought about unity,he realized pride is always the problem.
When he thought about pride, he realized SELFishness is the way it usually presents. Proud people aren’t always arrogant, just SELF-centered.
So, Paul taught the Philippians to look after the interests of others. To care “for their things” (literal translation). To develop (and practice) the ability to listen to what others are saying.
Like opposing sides in an angry protest, we often shout our opinions without any real attempt to hear what others are saying, feel what they are feeling, value what they are valuing.
“Many a man would rather you heard his story than granted his request”–Phillip Stanhope. “Big egos have little ears”–Robert Schuller.
You, my brother? How are you doing on God’s assignment to look after the things of others?
Pride is a universal problem. I agreed that proud people may not be selfish but they are just self-centered. In life, people are self-centered when they have to compete. But in Christ, we were taught to think of others, look out for other people’s interests and not only for our own interests. Therefore, as Christians, we were taught to be humble and to consider other people’s interests. Pride and Humility are on the opposite side of each other.
When people think so highly of themselves, they tend to protect their perceived status rather than strive for humility. Pride forces us to focus on the downside instead of the upside, no matter how significant. Pride can lead us to arrogance and destruction and if incompetence and selfishness are the origins of pride.
In life, when people have to compete for a job, it is appropriate to focus on “I” but when we work together to advance a mission, it is appropriate to focus on “we”! Self-centered people are not Holy-Spirit and Christ-driven; they are driven by the world!
It is helpful to ask ourselves the following questions: 1) Do I have to compete and be self-centered for my survival?; 2) where do I find my peace, joy, and happiness?; 3) whom do I serve, the world or Jesus Christ? 4) What do I gain by protecting my perceived social status??
Our answers to these questions will help us examine ourselves more realistically and know whether we are on the wrong side of pride which is self-destructive or on the side of humility.
Great topic for Sunday! A great reminder that humility is Christ-driven character! I pray that the Holy Spirit will drive my heart to the side of humility even when I need to compete in difficult situations for my survival.