Articles
Putting Others First - Philippians 2
Putting Others First - Philippians 2
Paul’s instruction: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself. 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 (Phil. 2:3-5).
He then gives four illustrations of how this can work – taken in reverse order:
Epaphroditus – 25-30
Willing to be their messenger even though it nearly killed him! Even then, he was distressed not about his illness but about THEIR sorrow concerning his illness.
Timothy – 19-24
“No one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in YOUR welfare”. He had learned this lesson well and looked out NOT for his own interests, but those of Jesus, and hence the genuine concern for OTHERS and not self.
Paul – 12-18
He was glad and rejoicing that he was able to be “pour oud like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from” their faith. Ever the good teacher, Paul was willing to practice what he taught.
Jesus 5-11
This is the ultimate example. What was HE willing to give and do for others? EVERYTHING. He emptied himself – not ‘of’ things, but himself. He humbled himself in dying for US. Difficult? Yes! Painful? Yes! What an example. If he would die for you, can I not live for you? If he can die for my brethren, can I not humble myself to serve them?
How many problems between brethren would this practice put an end to? How many selfish squabbles would be squashed if we all had this attitude? It can happen only if YOU adopt this attitude. Don’t wait for others, begin today. Think, in what ways are YOU putting others before self?
Hugh DeLong
