Phil. 2:3, 4 "Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing."
The ancient city of Philippi was a prosperous Roman colony. Most residents spoke Latin and prided themselves on being Roman citizens. Many of the Philippians were retired military men who had been granted land in this area. So in the second chapter of his letter to the Christians in Philippi, Paul warns them to not be proud, selfish, and vain-easy pitfalls for the prosperous citizens in the wealthy town. Paul instructs them to think less of themselves and their stuff, and more about others and their needs. He points them to Jesus who do did not live his life as a proud or privileged man. Jesus was humble and served others, even though he was the son of God! If anyone had a right to be proud, it was him, but he wasn't. Jesus was to be their example.
I think about myself way too much! Most days my mind is consumed with me, myself and I. Paul says I should be more like Jesus. My thoughts and my mind should be geared towards those around me. I should ask first, how can I help others, and ask second, how can I help myself. This is vital to the Christian life. Jesus modeled it for me, so how can I live it today? I think it begins with having open eyes and open ears. What do I see and hear around me? When I am actually looking and listening, I am more likely to do something. Today I will look and listen.
Dear Jesus, help me look at others before I look at myself! Help me listen to others before I listen to myself today! Amen.
