One Saturday afternoon, a group of teenagers gathered in a cafeteria to ask one another some hard questions based on Philippians 2:3-4. Some of the difficult queries included: On a scale of 1 to 10, how selfish are you? How often do you take an interest in others too? Would someone describe you as humble or proud? Why?
As I sat and listened intently, it was encouraging to hear group members answering the questions as honestly as possible. They noticed that Philippians 2:3-4 didn’t contain suggestions; they were imperatives: “Don’t be selfish.” “Don’t try to impress others.” “Be humble.” “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
The group agreed that it’s difficult to live out these commands. It’s easy to acknowledge our shortcomings, but it is hard to change, or—for that matter—desire to change. As one teen uttered, “Selfishness is in my blood.”
The desire to put off our sin nature and put on Jesus’ nature can only come from one source—God Himself. The apostle Paul posed these questions: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit?” (Philippians 2:1). To paraphrase, Paul asked: Are you experiencing the wonder of being God’s child? Are your hearts being comforted by His love? Are you experiencing the Spirit’s help? If yes, then obey God’s commands.
And Philippians 2:2-4 is a great reminder for us every day: “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish.”
Yes, God is the reason for us to change, and only He can change us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Joshua 3:1-17
More:
Read Romans 5:1-7 to help you reflect on the encouragement from belonging to God, the comfort from His love, and the fellowship of His Spirit.
Next:
How will remembering the privilege of belonging to God motivate you toward obedience and change today? Where is He asking you to grow as a believer in Jesus?
Gary Shultz on February 29, 2016 at 5:54 am
The teens were correct, it’s difficult to not put yourself into each picture as first, it is a default setting. Depending on how you can bend your mind and how open you are to the words of Christ, trusting in Him will ultimately be the best selfish move we can make. There will be more exacting care for each person then we could ever generate by ourselves. The question now is, do we believe, does our faith work enough, to allow God to reward us? Can we follow His path of care for others and obedience? The greater reward will be from Him. Thanks Poh Fang
Poh Fang Chia on February 29, 2016 at 7:58 pm
Thank you, Gary, for pointing us to Christ. Indeed, we need to “trust in Him”, “follow His path” and look forward to His reward.
desperateforyou on February 29, 2016 at 7:41 am
It’s so easy to forget that we are saved by grace. In the hustle of life, I often find myself trying to earn God’s approval and righteousness. I am so thankful for the reminder in Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Lord, help me to walk in the freedom You provided through Jesus. Let me choices and actions be motivated by love not duty.
Poh Fang Chia on February 29, 2016 at 7:55 pm
Amen! I need to pray that everyday.
gagirllive on February 29, 2016 at 8:00 am
I find that I have to go to God with these questions…to rely on the Holy Spirit to show me myself because I am not a good judge of my own character. Left to my own judgment, I am sure that I’m far worse than I realize. The Word is the mirror and the Spirit is the revealer of truth. That’s where I see myself. And of course, I have no power to change myself. He makes me want to be different and does the transformation as I submit these things to Him. That’s what Paul says further down the chapter in verse 13. “God is at work in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” From glory to glory, He’s changing me. I praise Him for that. Great article, Poh Fang!
Poh Fang Chia on February 29, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Thank you for pointing verse 13 out. That’s such an encouraging promise!
godlove on February 29, 2016 at 9:11 am
I once read somewhere that for humans even the most altrustic gesture usually has a selfish idea behind, for example philantropists who gain recognition, praise or acceptance by their deeds. This is why in each case, the second part of each of the imperatives in verses 3 and 4 is crucial, the part right after the semi-colon or comma:
– Don’t be selfish; **don’t try to impress others**.
– Be humble, **thinking of others as better than yourselves**.
– Don’t look out only for your own interests, **but take an interest in others, too**.
In each case, this second half gives a better guideline as to how to go about carrying out the first part. Thanks for this great post Poh Fang.
Poh Fang Chia on February 29, 2016 at 8:04 pm
Wow! I never saw that. Thank you, godlove, for sharing this. Gonna ask God to help me put that into practice today.
Tom Felten on February 29, 2016 at 9:55 am
Poh Fang, praise God for the work of the Holy Spirit within us. As Paul wrote, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). Praying that we’ll yield to the Spirit’s lead today!
Poh Fang Chia on February 29, 2016 at 8:09 pm
Amen! How oft we forget that God lives in us, and His Spirit is at work in us. Such a wonderful assurance and powerful aid.