Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others. Philippians 2:3-4 NABRE
The letter to the Philippians is about friendship, Paul encouraging the small community who live in a suburban city challenging what they are living. Paul knows life is difficult and to remain together hard, sharing his own experience of persecution they become aware he is with them. The quoted verse is part of a section that is defining the qualities of a Christian Community. Paul recognizes the good work God has begun in the community and their partnership with him. To be a Christian community they must be selfless, and not overly prideful in what they are doing. He tells them to be humble, put others first, look for what is important to others, putting others interests first. Philippi was a city with a pecking order, Romans first, then others. Paul wants to break this kind of thinking in the Christian community. To attract people to Jesus we must be like Christ who put us first. Putting others first, taking care of their interest, being humble and putting others interests above our own is irresistible for people who follow Jesus. Paul teaches as a church community we must be radically welcoming, overly giving, and incredibly selfless. Living like Christ we will be irresistible to others who will join because they like what they see.
Jesus always puts others first, as a follower it is our purpose to be like Jesus. It is by our lives, how we love, that others will know we belong to Jesus and want to join us. A life with Jesus is a better life and our goal is to share that life with everyone.
Can you put others first? Can your interests be the interests of someone else, putting your desires to the side?
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