Philippians 2:3-4 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. New Living Translation (NLT)
The NLT says "don't be selfish" while the NIV starts these verses out with "do nothing out of selfish ambition". We'll continue with the thoughts of pyrrhic victories where sometimes the costs outweigh the value of winning.
When you think of selfish ambition, rivalry, and strife, it is easy to relate it to partisanship. With it there is a pride in getting your way. This is often played out before our very eyes in the politics of the day, and not only national government politics, but in corporations and yes, even within churches. The person or persons described here may not be as interested in what is actually best, but that he or his party of faction can win an advantage, to the detriment of all.
Instead of it, the Christian is told to be humble, thing of others, to look out for their interests as well as your own.
Thinking of these things brought me to the second stanza of "A Mighty Fortress", written by Martin Luther who know something about contentious battles.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth, his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle.
As we head out into the week ahead, may we put aside our striving for ourselves, may we respect, submit and follow the example of Christ. If we find ourselves in some kind of skirmish, debate or argument, may we draw upon Him, His grace, realizing that if it is to be won, He must win the battle.
In Christ,
Mike
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Philippians 2:2-4
Amplified Bible (AMP)
2 Fill up and complete my joy by living in harmony and being of the same mind and one in purpose, having the same love, being in full accord and of one harmonious mind and intention.
3 Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].
4 Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.
No comments:
Post a Comment