Others First

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Philippians 2 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:3-5, NIV)

REFLECTIONS:
Many try to conceal it. Some only deceive themselves. We all seem to battle it. Conceit.

None of us want to believe we ever think ourselves as better than anyone else. 

Until… someone plunges ahead of us in the checkout line… the vehicle on our right doesn’t yield to us at the 4-way stop… someone else’s meal is delivered before we get ours… someone with body odor sits down next to us in the doctor’s office… someone cuts us off in traffic… we are offended by any number of things that give us the false impression that we are better than someone else, that our rights should take precedence, that we deserve better treatment we are receiving, that we would never treat another the way we are being treated, that our space is being invaded, our opinions are ignored, our ideas unappreciated. 

Then… if we are very still and open up ourselves to the inspection and illumination of our own self-centeredness, we find seeds of conceit. Tiny little every-day germs of thought whisper to our ego: we are better than that or them or him or her. We are due more consideration. Our time is a bit more valuable. Our dreams are a bit more important. Our schedules, appointments, or needs are a smidge more necessary. 

It’s that nagging tease in the back of our minds that constantly tries to place itself in the forefront of our emotions and reason. It dresses up in pretty colors and thinks itself a tad brighter than the next person. It silently wonders why others don’t walk, talk, act and dress like they do.

Yet, we are called to a different way of living: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (verses 3-4).

………

Not only are we called to set aside our deeply-ingrained selfishness and conceited way of thinking, but we are called to deeply value others, to think of others as better than ourselves, to look to the interests of others above and before we think of ourselves. 

This kind of lifestyle is not only difficult, it is impossible on our own. It requires a patience, a generosity of spirit, a sensitivity to the needs of others, a humility that is not natural for us.

The only way this sort of others-centered lifestyle is even remotely possible is through Jesus Christ, through embracing his mindset and his attitude of heart. We must keep our eyes fixated on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith,” the One who perfectly embodied the others-first lifestyle.  

Flip through the Gospels and see the way in which Jesus lived his life. Here's a few instances that capture the essence of his life:

• He followed the Spirit's leading into the desert for 40 days of suffering and temptation. He never once used his divine powers for his own comfort, his own relief, or his own deliverance. Because we suffer and are tempted, he endured suffering and temptation. (Matthew 4:1-11)
• Jesus purposefully engaged in a conversation with a Samaritan woman, which was a big no-no socially and culturally. But he could care less about the dividing walls of his day. Jesus was focused on this wounded woman. And this conversation with her led to her salvation and to the salvation of many others in her village. (John 4:1-42)
• In an effort to bring charges against Jesus, the Pharisees intentionally "tempted" Jesus to heal a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath day. Jesus couldn't care less if it was "lawful" according to the religious leaders' standards. His focus was upon the man, so he healed him. (Matthew 12:9-14)
• Upon hearing of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus went in search of a solitary place to grieve. However, when he arrived at his destination of choice, he was greeted by a large crowd. How did Jesus respond? He “had compassion on them and healed their sick” and then provided them with a miraculous meal. (Matthew 14:13-21)
• Jesus invited himself to be a guest at the home of Zacchaeus, the hated tax collector. When all the people saw this, they began to grumble against Jesus. But he could care less about the hit to his reputation. His focus was upon Zacchaeus the man. (Luke 19:1-10).
• Knowing full well the fate that lay before him, Jesus purposefully went up to Jerusalem. His focus was upon US. Despite the incredible suffering he knew he was about to endure, Jesus prayed: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” He knew that there was no way for mankind to be fully reconciled to God apart from his atoning death, so he went out to meet those sent to arrest him… so he stood silently before his accusers… so he refused to defend himself before Pilate… so he endured the mockings and the floggings… so he embraced the suffering of the cross… so he “bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Jesus was completely others-centered. I am almost always Tres-centered.

He was the embodiment of self-giving love. I am almost always the embodiment of self-ishness.

His life was full and abundant and history-shaping. My life is often small and shriveled.

I want to live differently. I want to be like Jesus.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, give us eyes to see the truth in our hearts. Give us a clear view into our very soul, sanctify us. Draw us closer to your purity and holiness that we many not sin against you. We want to move away from our small, selfish, shriveled life. We want to experience the freedom and abundant joy of living the Christ-like life of self-giving love. Help us, Jesus. For your glory and for the good of your church, help us to live with your mindset today.

WHO AM I?

I am Tres Sansom and I am so glad Jesus thought of us.