Not me………you first
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
The apostle Paul has been narrowing his focus on the letter to the Philippians for their unity, and their focus on their hearts for Christ. He had pointed in the preceding chapter of those that preached from selfish motives, and those that preached with a pure heart. Although Paul rejoices at any motive of the preaching of the gospel (Philippians 1:18), here he is expressing the problems of pride that come with those motives. Paul is spending time in these scriptures calling for a true self-evaluation; a gut check before God of ourselves; an evaluation that should bring humility every time; an evaluation that should draw glory to Christ every time.
I could go down so many paths on the power and destruction of pride. Pride is at the root of my testimony; pride is at the root of my sin; pride is still the largest daily battle I face. Pride is rooted into so many of us, for sin is rooted in pride from the fall in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:5 for when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God. Pride is beneath many of our thoughts and actions without even knowing it. These self-evaluations that Paul calls for must be daily, for we battle pride unknowingly daily. Pride has brought down many powerful leaders throughout history, and continues to do so today. Pride may be creating the division in the church that Paul is addressing.
With the humility that should come with these gut checks, our hearts should be draw to Christ, and his heart for others. Our hearts should be moved to a grateful, humble, servant of our most high God. We should be drawn to a heart of serving Him in all things, and putting the needs of others before ours. Christ throughout his ministry gave us the example of a servant leader. A servant leader is not a person with deceitful motive, it is a person who’s main objective is to think of others and show them a love for Christ. Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. I have “PFY” written in the margin of my Bible here; Prayed For You. This is a simple text that I send to those close to me when I am praying for them. It lets them know I am speaking their names to God; it lets them know I care enough for them to pray for them. Instead of going to God in your petitions for yourself today, pray for someone else that needs your prayers today. It is a great way to chip away at that pride you battle, and a great way to unite in prayer.
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