Verse of the Day 9/18

Verse of the Day 9/18

Philippians 2:3-4  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  English Standard Version (ESV)

Yesterday we considered what it meant to be imitators, we are to be imitators of Christ.  Wednesday we considered our motivations in life, jealousy and self ambition vs. pure, merciful, peaceful, impartial and sincere thoughts and actions found in following, imitating Christ.

In today's verses Paul is challenging his readers and us not to be motivated by selfish ambition or conceit, literally "empty glory" the pursuit of personal glory, but to put others first.  Once again, one of the first things I related it to was the political arena.  How many are "on the stage" in the race for an office out of "selfish ambition" to the point of conceit?  Once again, the tragedy is that these things also happen among Christians and in the church.  We may be placed in leadership roles but the roles themselves are not to be motivated from within with "self interest".  It should be from a heart that is devoted to God and willing to take a stand for him.  I can think of Martin Luther's stance "here I stand, I can do no other".

I can't sum it up any better than God's Word as paraphrased in The Message:

 If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Instead of partisan politics, in politics and even within churches, may we avoid the pushing and sweet talk to get to the front and forget ourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 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 2:3-4The Message (MSG)

He Took on the Status of a Slave

2 ^1-4 If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.