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From Self to Serve
John TiltonPhilippians 2:1-4
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,if any tenderness and compassion,2then make my joy completeby being like-minded,having the same love, being onein spirit and of one mind.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.
Paul encourages the Philippians to be united in Christ, and that through His love, seek to extends tenderness, compassion, the love of Christ; all in unity.He cautions them about being self-minded and selfish, motivated by ambition, vainness, and self-interests.
In earnest, I contemplated these encouraging and amazing scriptures; but have to admit that
“self” seems to be a part of my carnality.I have a desire to be in unity with others, with attributes of tenderness, compassion, like-mindedness, love, and being one in spirit.However, I realize that there is an innate propensity to think about myself; or be incited by something I hear, or something that was done by someone that affects me.I for the most part on a scale can say that I’ve desired to follow Christ in encouraging ways.Reading these scriptures and being mindful of them, remind me to be conscious of my carnal ways, and instead check my heart and my mind in how I perceive things.Then to take a moment to think of WWJS.Sound like a cliché, but sincerely, “what would Jesus say?”I know that the Holy Spirit will speak to me and guide me away from self, and instead seeking to serve.
Dear Lord, you are so amazing!Amazing in your sacrifice, and amazing in your example.May I remember to follow in your ways, mindful of my weaknesses and propensity to self; but led by you to serve rather than be served.
