You More Important Than Me

Philippians 2:3,4

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

The spiritual values that guide our lives as followers of Jesus are often at extreme odds with the thinking of the world and the philosophies that have dominated our culture in the past 50 years. What the Bible challenges us to believe is in conflict with those who think Christianity is foolish.

The world promotes a focus on "me" and "mine" and pursuing what I want. Its like you don't have to grow up but live like a child for the rest of your life. But this is why a two year old is totally dependent. They are compelled by their feelings and have no perception of the consequences that their present behavior will produce in the future. They are not willing to delay their gratification for a future benefit or the good of others.

This is a mindset where values and truth are determined by elevating how you feel, not by a model or standard outside of yourself that says no to selfishness. The apostle Paul tells us that we should reject motives of selfish ambition and vanity. As followers of Christ we are called to be humble and put the interests of others above our own.

Why does he offer this challenge? Because that is the example Jesus gave us and reflects the heart of God for each of us. Our Savior came to humble Himself and give His life in sacrificial love and Paul says we should have His way of thinking to replace ours. Put this verse into action because you want to be like Jesus and you want the world to see you and then pay attention to Him. John the Baptist said, "He must increase and I must decrease." One way that happens is to look each day for how you can put the needs and interests of others above your own.