◄ What Does Philippians 2:4 Mean? ►

Paul knew that one of the keys that contributes to Christian joy and walking in fellowship with the Lord, is that brothers in Christ are kind and considerate to one another, having the love of Christ in their hearts, and being one in spirit and like-minded in purpose.

He knew that an unselfish attitude of heart and humbleness of spirit towards our brothers and sisters in Christ was a key to maintaining our joy in the Lord, and so we are all called upon to care about the interests of others above our own.

Oh, we are not to neglect our own needs, for we are called upon in everything, by prayer and supplication, to make our requests known to the Lord. But we are instructed to do nothing from selfish ambition, nor should we be motivated to impress others, but in gentle humility of heart we are to count other's interests and needs as more significant than our own - that our joy may be complete.

How honouring to the Lord if we were to take this simple instruction to heart, and not only look to our own interests but also to the interests of others.

Today, let us meditate on the example of Jesus and strive to live as He lived: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross!"

Heavenly Father, help me to recognise and respond to the needs or others, willingly, cheerfully, with humility of heart, and gentleness of spirit. May I not be so concerned with my needs that I miss the aching need of another. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.