Philippians 2: 1-5
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2: 1-5
In a family with three children of varying ages, it is rare that we have moments of humility and like-mindedness. Especially when our children were young, it seemed that the basic human instinct of each of my young offspring was: selfish ambition and vain conceit! It is very hard to help a 4 year old understand that he should consider his sister better than himself.
I am not sure as adults that we get very far away from this basic childlike instinct. In today’s world, everything focuses on me, myself, and I. Every ad, every commercial and every message encourages us to focus on our own needs. We seem to spend our lives looking out for number one.
I wonder if this is also the case within the Christian community. Are we united with Christ? Do we find comfort from His love? Do we fellowship with the Spirit? Do we have tenderness and compassion? This passage instructs us to have the “attitude of Christ Jesus”—to look at the interests of others. In this fast paced, self-centered world, remember to stop long enough to look out for the interests of others. Find someone in need, make a phone call, lend a hand, give a hug! When you do so, you will be a blessed and your heavenly Father’s joy will be complete!
Posted by Melissa Ewing, Minister of Early Childhood
