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 Things of Others

 Philip 2:4
 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

We all have our own things to do. Some of those things are vital to our survival and well-being. But the things that Paul is referring to are those things that bring us pleasure and ease of life. The attraction of the things of this world has a way of taking our eyes off the things that are more important to keep us faithful to Christ. Jesus said not to worry about the things of tomorrow, for the Father is sufficient to provide for things today. Instead, we have to consider the needs of others, and be more concerned that the things of others are attended to. We have to look out for each other as the body of Christ. There are those in our community of believers that need a helping hand. It is good to remember them in prayer, but the community of the local church should put action to their prayers and reach out to help those who are suffering emotionally, financially, and socially.  We are admonished to “Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor, preferring one another” (Roman 10:12).  God’s word not only teaches us to reach out to others who do not know Christ, but we also demonstrate Christian grace to others who are part of the family of God. The world looks at the church and needs to see that they are united in love. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have loved one to another.” (John 13:35). The trademark of a healthy church is seen in the way they treat each other. Yes, we should not neglect our own health and well-being in all ways, but in doing so, let us not forget the things of others.

Live at Peace with Others

 Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Conflict is a natural occurrence that takes place when there are differences of opinions. Some of these differences are strong enough to create strife and division. Paul and Barnabas had differences of opinion, causing them to go their separate ways. It is possible to live peaceably with all men, even in the midst of strong differences. It becomes more challenging to live at peace with all men when there has been a betrayal of trust or if personal hurt has occurred. We cannot allow bitterness and malice to control relationships, even when conflict involves personal matters.  Conflicts can cause a strain in a relationship that may not be overcome quickly, it may even scar a relationship that may never heal completely. But fellowship need not be broken. History has recorded centuries of division and discord. Wars have been fought and many have died for what they believed in. I don’t claim to understand the nature of wars, the just and unjust, but if it is possible, God desires that we live at peace with one another. Especially among those who are followers of Christ. We are exhorted to “Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor, preferring one another.” (Roman 12:10). It is possible to love without compromising principles or condoning evil. Preferring others is not to agree with them, but it is to allow them to have their own opinions or ideas without dissimilation. We are never going to see eye to eye on every issue, but we can agree to disagree and live at peace with one another.

The Interest of Others

 Philip 2:3,4

Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves…Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

 

Being selfish is defined as “(of a person, action, or motive) lacking consideration for others”). Taking care of self is not wrong or sinful, but doing so without consideration of how it may affect others is. We live in a world that is focused on self. “Looking out for number 1, no one else will.” There may be times that we may feel neglected and left out, and feel justified in putting ourselves before others. This may require some deliberate choices we make, and may go against what we want and desire. Does serving self first cause others interest to be hindered? This may depend on what that interest is. If their interest is wrong or sinful, we then make a choice on what is right and not what is self-serving. Let us examine our hearts to make sure we are not making choices that will cause others hurt or hindrance. Let us,  “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another”- Roman 12:10

The Mind of Christ

Philippians 2:4,5 “Look not every man to his own things, but every man also to the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”-

Living in the Vine is to have the mind of Jesus. He is our supreme example how we are to act and behave. In our humanity we come short of what God wants us to be, but Christ humbled Himself and became human. He walked the dusty roads of this earth and suffered the afflictions that you and I encounter in life. Even during times of hardship and in the face of death, Christ willingly gave Himself to us. We are so prone to pamper ourselves and look out for number one. The spirit is often willing, but the flesh is weak. Paul realized that in our humanity that there would be a tendency to cater to our own needs, and there are times that doing so is the right thing to do. But, often those needs can be put aside, so we can care for the needs of others. Having the mind of Christ living within us, will give us the strength and fortitude to act in kindness, preferring one another over our own wants. The mind of Christ is allowing the Holy Spirit to take full control of our life and let Him direct and guide our path. When we have the mind of Christ, our attitude changes toward life, life is no longer about “us” but, it is about serving others. Let us put aside those things we want and start to focus on the things of others.