Daily Devotionals

Are We There Yet? Week 4 Wednesday

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

As we think about making a contribution to this world, one thing that can quickly thwart that contribution is self-centeredness. When we tend to focus only on ourselves, any hopes and desires to impact the world for Christ will take a back seat. When this happens, we quickly become blinded so that we cannot see anything beyond ourselves. Despite this temptation to turn to self-centeredness, there is a better way: intentionally choosing each and every day to let go of selfishness and pick up selflessness instead.

One of the most beautiful descriptions of what it looks like to live selflessly can be found in Philippians 2. In this chapter, the apostle Paul calls followers of Christ to model Christ’s example of selflessness and humility. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others,” Paul wrote (verse 2). Instead, Paul said, “Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves” (verse 3). After giving these instructions, Paul explained the reason why we are to live this way. We are to live humbly and selflessly because Christ lived humbly and selflessly. “You must have the same attitude that Jesus Christ had,” he continues, “Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to” (verses 5-6). Out of selflessness, humility, and love, Jesus came to earth and gave up His life so that you and I could be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life with Him. Jesus lived a humble and selfless life on earth, and you and I are called to live in humility and selflessness as well. 

Although this world may tell us differently, if you and I want to make a contribution with our lives, Scripture teaches that we are to live like Christ, in humility and selflessness. We must model this for the children in our lives and teach them how to live like Christ. This is one of the greatest contributions we can make with our lives.

Moving Toward Action

It’s time to take our eyes off of ourselves and to lead the children in our lives to choose selflessness as well. Who do you know who is going through a difficult time? Who can you encourage today? Who can you remind today that God sees them and that they matter? Think of one way to provide encouragement to that person this week and invite the children in your life to do the same.

Going Deeper

Read Philippians 2:1-11 (NLT)

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
    he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.