Monday, July 23, 2018
Philippians 2:4 (NIV84) Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
LOOKING PAST SELF
"Pastor!" a voice called from across the street. It startled me. I was on my early morning run and so wrapped up in thoughts of what I wanted to accomplish that I didn't even notice my neighbor heading home from his run.
It's not really that unusual is it? We have to get out the door for work, so we don't even look up from our breakfast when a family member comes into the kitchen. Do we make eye contact and smile at people we meet going into the store or gym or are our faces buried in our cell phone? Do we think about the problems others are facing or are we completely consumed by our own wants and needs?
The Lord's will for us is that we "love our neighbor as ourselves." St. Paul urged the Philippians: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4). Our sinful nature, however, gets in the way and we end up acting as though the world revolves around "me." Our selfishness deserves God's condemnation and eternal punishment.
But just like my neighbor's voice drew my attention away from myself, so Jesus calls us to look away from ourselves to Him as our Savior. Every day we fall short of being the caring, loving people God wants us to be, but Jesus was that for us. He never missed an opportunity to show love for those around Him. No sacrifice was too great. Even when we were His enemies, He was willing to lay down His life for us on the cross. "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:10).
Loved by God in Christ and made His children by faith, we have a new perspective. We want to see others as Jesus does, as precious souls whom He has redeemed. Rather than being wrapped up in love for self and ignoring others, we want to live for the Lord. We want to show His outgoing love toward others with a smile, by listening, lending a hand, and especially by sharing the Word. To whom can you show that love?
