A Simple But Powerful Truth

August 10, 2017 | By Chuck

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."(Phil.2:3-4) Paul is instructing Christians to practice a simple teaching. I don't think anyone struggles to understand Paul's point from the above cited verses. It's a simple truth, just not one that many enjoy practicing. If we're honest, we'll admit that we're more about ourselves and our needs than we are the needs and interests of others. As Christians we are to be more interested in the needs of others than we are our own needs. I realize this isn't natural, but it is necessary. This is not some deep theological teaching that we must pick the brains of scholars to understand. This teaching is simple, yet powerful. How could a simple teaching like this have a powerful impact? The Christians who truly strive to put others first in everything will experience a huge transformation in their lives. By putting others first, we are doing our part to destroy any potential sin or division between us and others. By putting others first, we also genuinely seek the best for others. We only have their best interests at heart and have no desire to do them harm. "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross."(Phil.2:8) Jesus clearly put the interests of all others first when he endured death on the cross for the sins of the world. So, when you and I work daily to put the interests of others first, we are working to become more like Jesus. Becoming more like Jesus every day is one goal that every Christian should strive to achieve. Why not implement and practice in your life this simple but powerful truth?