Don't Be Selfish And Don't Try To Impress Others. Be Humble And Value Others More Than Yourselves
Put On The Same Loving Nature Of Christ
PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
”Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/php.2.3-4.nkj
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Selfishness is damaging to relationships and can do serious damage deep within the church.
But genuine humility can build both personal relationships and the church (the body of Christ).
Being humble involves having a true prospective about one’s self (see ROMANS 12:3).
That is not to say we should put ourselves down, but must take on the humble nature of Christ.
“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. (V5-7).
Before God, we are sinners, saved only by God’s grace, but saved non the less, justified by His blood, and therefore have great worth through Christ. ““For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth (DEUTERONOMY 7:6).”
However, we are to put aside all selfishness and treat others with respect and common courtesy, considering others interest as important as our own; taking on the same selfless nature as Christ who was a true example to follow.
He was truly humble, giving up His divine privileges as something to cling to. He, the King of kings and Lord of Lords, came into this world solely to serve and save His people.
Like Christ, out of love ultimately for God, but also like Christ, must love all others (MATHEW 22:38-40).
We, my beloved, must develop a servants heart that craves to reach out to the lost, the broken, and the weary, to tell them the Good News of salvation, and on the way, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”
Matthew 10:8 NKJV
Paul warns us against any kind of selfish ambition, prejudice, or jealousy that may lead to dissension, being happy for others successes, but having empathy in their pain, being willing to help in their times of need.
Showing genuine interest in others is a positive step toward achieving and maintaining unity in and outside of the church.
Selfish ambition was the downfall of Lucifer the devil; he said, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’”
Isaiah 14:14 NKJV
He wanted to steal God’s glory and be recognised as God, putting himself on a pedestal above all.
In deed, he has made himself god of this world, but he shall be brought down.
Many believers today put themselves on a pedestal and receive glory from men. Whether on the pulpit, or high position in this world, their self appointed position is temporary and it shall, like Lucifer, be their downfall.
The truth is, we the people can do nothing good without Christ. We will never be allowed to steal God’s glory.
We believers can bath in His glory, but we cannot steal it.
One may put himself above others, and may become an idol to many, “Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.”
Isaiah 14:15 NKJV
My beloved, therefore humble yourselves before God. ““Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:1-10, 12-15 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
