Bible Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Philippians 2:3 contains an important warning for us: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
In order to heed this warning, we need to know what it means to be a selfish person. How can we know if we are acting selfishly? A selfish person –
1. Looks out for #1 (1 Corinthians 10:24).
2. Helps other people only when it’s convenient (Galatians 6:2).
3. Focuses on her own interests (Philippians 2:4).
4. Isn’t genuinely interested in other people’s well being (Philippians 2:20, 21).
5. Lacks love and respect for other people and their needs (Genesis 4:9; 2 Timothy 3:2-4).
6. Sees other people’s needs and says things like, “someone should do something to help that person,” but does nothing himself to help (James 2:15, 16; 1 John 3:17).
7. Does what make her happy, even if it hurts others physically, emotionally, or spiritually (Romans 14:15).
8. Is impatient of other’s shortcomings and believes that he can “do the job better” (Romans 15:1-3).
9. Lacks love and compassion for others especially those she doesn’t like (Luke 6:32-36).
10. Is so attached to his belongings he’s unwilling to part with them even to help someone less fortunate (Matthew 19:20, 21).
I hope you and I do everything we can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to avoid selfishness and, instead, to be selfless people.
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
Prayer: Heavenly Father, rid my heart of all selfishness and self-seeking. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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