Philippians 2:3-7

Philippians 2

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

We all know that the one of the two commands given to us by Christ is to love others as ourselves. This passage in Philippians is expanding on that very thing. Again, Scripture is addressing our motives.

Verse three says do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. This is the opposite of how we function most of the time. We are typically motivated by what is best for ourselves. What makes me look good, feel good, or sound good in front of others? We give excuses like we are too tired, too busy, or we just don’t like the way others do things.

Instead of looking out only for our own interests, verse four says we should look also to the interests of others. Consider others in your decisions and choices. Is what you are doing best for them as well? Are their needs met? Will they be drawn closer to Christ through this choice?

Our example for this type of living? Christ, who became a servant for us, making the ultimate sacrifice by laying down His life. Christ was literally never motivated by selfish gain, but always served others first. Whether he was tired, hungry, grieved, or in pain, Christ considered the needs of others before His own, serving them in love. May we do the same.