Philippians 2:4 – Verse of the Day 11/7/14

Have you ever noticed how we usually think that we give more than we get? We usually think that we work harder than other people or do more than our share. If we stop to think about it we know that we are probably wrong. Obviously everybody can’t do more than their share!

If you are ever tempted to think that you are more self-sacrificing than you really are, this passage from Philippians is probably a very challenging one. After saying that we should look to the interests of others and not just our own, Paul goes on to remind us that Jesus Christ had every right to demand his right to glory. Instead of making that demand, however, he made himself nothing and took on the form of a servant in order to die on the cross. Jesus’s life and death are much more than an example, but they are a very powerful example nonetheless! Does your thankfulness for what Jesus has done for you lead you to sacrifice your own interests for those of others?

Although we know that we are to live for others, we very often live solely for ourselves. Spend some time in prayer asking God to forgive you for specific examples of selfishness in your own life. As you pray, ask the Lord not only to forgive you, but to give you a grateful heart that longs to serve others just as Christ has served us.