"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." - Philippians 2:4
We are selfish people by nature. Looking to our own interests is seldom something we find difficult. In fact when it comes to being egocentric we are a society of overachievers. If we are to be effective in the Kingdom of God we must remember we are a part of something bigger than we are; the body of Christ. In a physical human body the individual parts live and breathe in connection with each other. The organs and appendages, though different in location, function and purpose, are given life and enabled to operate because they are connected through channels that flow with the same substance; the blood. In Christ, “self interest” is far greater than any individual. It extends to those we are connected to through His blood. Our little island of the world is not our only concern. We are responsible to be mindful of each other. If I am hurt in some way; If I cut my finger or twist my ankle my whole body is effected and immediately becomes active in comforting, caring for and healing my wound. Likewise, if a brother or sister in Christ struggles or is hurting, our concern should be for their care and healing. We are to be actively employed in their welfare. To be non-responsive or passively complacent while another believer is in pain is not only un Christ-like, it is un-natural and toxic to the body of Christ. We are redeemed today because Christ did not look simply to His own interest but to ours. He set the example. We need to follow it.
“Lord Jesus, I am often painfully aware of my selfishness. Break me of this. Keep me mindful of those around me. Make me aware of my responsibility to them. Give me wisdom to speak a timely word of encouragement. Give me sensitivity to shut my mouth and listen when they need to talk. Give me compassion to cry when they cry. Give me joy to laugh when they laugh. Draw me closer to the people You have brought into my life and make me aware of the people You want to bring into my life. Let me look at those around me with Your eyes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
We are selfish people by nature. Looking to our own interests is seldom something we find difficult. In fact when it comes to being egocentric we are a society of overachievers. If we are to be effective in the Kingdom of God we must remember we are a part of something bigger than we are; the body of Christ. In a physical human body the individual parts live and breathe in connection with each other. The organs and appendages, though different in location, function and purpose, are given life and enabled to operate because they are connected through channels that flow with the same substance; the blood. In Christ, “self interest” is far greater than any individual. It extends to those we are connected to through His blood. Our little island of the world is not our only concern. We are responsible to be mindful of each other. If I am hurt in some way; If I cut my finger or twist my ankle my whole body is effected and immediately becomes active in comforting, caring for and healing my wound. Likewise, if a brother or sister in Christ struggles or is hurting, our concern should be for their care and healing. We are to be actively employed in their welfare. To be non-responsive or passively complacent while another believer is in pain is not only un Christ-like, it is un-natural and toxic to the body of Christ. We are redeemed today because Christ did not look simply to His own interest but to ours. He set the example. We need to follow it.
“Lord Jesus, I am often painfully aware of my selfishness. Break me of this. Keep me mindful of those around me. Make me aware of my responsibility to them. Give me wisdom to speak a timely word of encouragement. Give me sensitivity to shut my mouth and listen when they need to talk. Give me compassion to cry when they cry. Give me joy to laugh when they laugh. Draw me closer to the people You have brought into my life and make me aware of the people You want to bring into my life. Let me look at those around me with Your eyes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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