Interest of Others

 Philip 2:5
 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Another way to say this is, ”not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of others.” This is the mind of Christ that He wants to stamp on each one of our lives. The world philosophy is to look out for self, because no one else will. When James says, The wisdom of this world is not from above, but is earthly and full of strife. Looking out for self and self-interest is contrary to the way God wants Christians to live. This applies to individual lives as we interact daily with people around us. We are aware that if we don’t take care of ourselves, we are no good at helping others. This is why, on the airlines, they tell you in an emergency to make sure you put your mask on yourself first before helping children. The interest in self is motivated by being the best we can so that we can effectively help others in need. Our self-interest is to be strong in our faith, be secured in our conviction of God’s word, and be filled with His Spirit. This will allow us to reach out in love and humility to help others who need a helping hand. In our daily lives, this will require that we sacrifice our own desires so that others can be helped. Paul says it this way, ”Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” (Roman 12:10). Putting this into practice is done as we open our heart to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to lead us and open the opportunities to put the interest of others first.

The Mind Set of Jesus

Phil 2:5.8 “ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,… He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross.”-

The mind set of Jesus was always on serving others. He, who is the Son of God became human flesh to serve and die for humanity’s sins. The mind of Christ is to seek the will of the Father, to humbly submit to the needs of others, preferring others before self. This radical mind set is foreign to the philosophy of the world that promotes self gratification and self importance. Seeking to make a name, to make it to the top, climbing the ladder of power and popularity. Such is the mind of this world. Followers of Christ, that have the mind of Christ have picked up the cross, crucifying the flesh with all of its sinful desires that they may serve God and others as obedient servants of God. 

Understanding God's Word

Nehemiah 8:8 “So they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly, and gave the sense and caused them to understand the reading.”-

Understanding the Word of God. When I 1st got saved at the age of 15, I was told to start reading the Bible. I was given a New Testament and started to read the book of John. I began to soak in the Word. God began to open His word to my heart and I began to understand what it meant to be a follower of Jesus. There were many times I would read without understanding, but in due time God would reveal His Word to me and show me what it meant to be a Christian. That was over 42 years ago, and still today His Word is renewed day by day in my life. As I read selected portions of the Bible, I ask God to show me something new that will help me draw closer to Him. I have obtained a lot of head knowledge over the years reading His Word, but I long for more than just head knowledge, I long to live in His Word, to be graphed in and become one with Him. Understanding the Word of God is more than memorizing, knowing all the stories and what will happen in the end times. It is about knowing Him, understanding the mind of Christ, living out my faith and loving His Word, for He is the Word. 

Share the Love of Christ

Mark 5:19 “...“Go home to thy friends, and tell them what great things the Lord hath done for thee, and how He hath had compassion on thee.”-

Influences and choices have a big impact how our lives turn out. We reap what we sow. All are born in sin and the nature of sin in each one of our lives bares its fruit by the choices we make. Being filled with demons is most likely caused by the influence of drugs or allowing oneself to dabble in the occult, worshipping of evil spirits. Sin has its affect on all of us and it is manifested in each person in different degrees. Coming to Jesus and asking Him to remove “cast out” sin out of lives will bring a change that will put us in our right mind. We now have the mind of Christ. A new life in Christ will not be hid to those who are your friends. They will see a difference in your life. Your life will now bare fruits of righteousness and the old life you once lived is now under the blood of Christ. Old things have passed away, and behold all things have become new. With our lips we will praise Him to all who ask of the hope, the change that God has done in our life. Let us share the love of Christ to the world and what Christ can do for those who are seeking rest for the soul and the peace of God.