|
|
|
January 3, 2011
Truth Connections
Devotions for Parents on the Go
|
|
|
|
Humility Part One: Humility Defined
Background Passage: Philippians 2:1-11
Today's Focal Passage:
1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. 3 Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not [only] for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4
|
|
Self, Self, Self
Self-Promotion. Self-Actualization. Self-Rights. Self-Realization. Self-Exaltation. Self-Centered. Self...Self...Self... If we were to observe ourselves objectively we'd probably acknowledge we look a lot like those seagulls in Finding Nemo who strut around saying "Mine, Mine, Mine."
The only form of the word "self" in Philippians 2:1-4 tells us to consider others as more important than ourselves. That's enough to ruffle the feathers of any self-respecting, selfish seagull, I mean, adult. Honestly, if I consider others as more important than myself then I have to give up that parking space with a smile, clean that disgusting microwave in the break room, and agree that my spouse's need is more important than my own.
Self-interest doesn't have a place in the Christian's life. Sure, we look out for our interests, but not at the expense of others. We carefully look out for their feelings, hopes, and needs when we take actions and make decisions.
Now we can sound like two-year-olds and ask "Why, Why, Why?" Why in the world should we live out this radical definition of humility? Because a lack of humility kills joy, kills love, and kills goals because it kills unity.
If everybody in the home and church looked out for everyone else's interests, then everyone's needs would be taken care of. You may wonder, "But what if I live out this definition of humility and no one else does? Who'll look out for me if I don't?" God has your back. He looks favorably upon His selfless, humble children and declares, "Mine, Mine, Mine." Do your part and trust God to do His.
Demonstrate with your attitudes and actions that the unity of your family and the family of God is more important than your own self-importance, desires, needs, wishes, and opinions.
Oh Lord, when I think about how selfish and self-centered I am, I just cringe. Forgive me. Help me develop a lifestyle that focuses more on others and less on me. Thank You that I can trust You to look out for my interests. In Jesus' name, Amen.
|
|
Background: Philippians
Paul wrote Philippians while in prison, probably in Rome. He had several reasons for writing, but one major purpose likely was to prevent division in the church because of a disagreement between two women members (see 4:2-3). After informing the Philippian believers he was faring well and the gospel was advancing in spite of his confinement, he expressed confidence he would win his case at trial and be freed (see 1:25). Then he challenged believers to live in a way that honored the gospel and to remain faithful and unified as they worked to spread the gospel (see vv. 27-30).
|
|
|
|
|
