Philippians 2:3-4

AMP – 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. 4 Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

NRSVUE – 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.

VOICE – 3 Do not let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others. 4 Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neighbors’ interests first.

Selfishness vs. Humility

Paul calls on the church to not doing anything out of selfishness or based on their ego. Paul forbids the usage of ministry, influence, and service to gain things like status, control, or personal gain. Jesus rejected this model and teaches us that greatness is found in serving others. Similarly, pride puts ourselves first while ignoring the humanity of those around us. The goal for us is to serve as Jesus served. Not to gain clout, but to love and care for neighbor as God loves and cares for us.

Humility puts first that God is the giver of life, rescue from sin, gifts, and every true honor. It does not deny our own worth and self-esteem, but it calls on us to submit our interests and desires to God’s will so they can be aligned with each other. Humility also calls us to seek the good of others, regardless of our own personal history with them. We are called to value each other above our preferences, recognition, and comfort.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: What do you see more so in the world: selfishness or humility? Why do you believe that is.

Counter-Cultural Humility

Humility was one of the cornerstone values that Jesus showed during His time on earth. Jesus never used His godly status or powers to gain wealth, influence, and power. Jesus came to earth as a servant, the lowest position on the social hierarchy at the time, so that we can fully understand what God has been trying to teach us. Jesus didn’t make things about himself, but instead made it about caring for those around him. We constantly see Jesus teach about feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, remembering the sick, and extending compassion to people in the margins (think the widows and orphans.)

The people weren’t thinking about these things when Jesus came to the world. They yearned for a leader with an ego. A war-torn hero that would go out and conquer as their ancestors were conquered. Instead, they got the complete opposite. They got a counter-cultural approach ot things. We need a counter-cultural movement. To move away from the individualistic, influencer-centric, grind culture and move towards a community-driven, resource-sharing economy. To praise giving more than getting. To being excited to help others instead of being helped. To be able to give our excess without concern of poverty. To break down what it means to care for our communities, our strangers, and our world without trying to find paths and loopholes to seek a benefit for us. Yes, we need to take care of ourselves. However, we do not need to hurt or restrict others in that capacity. We need to work on our ability to communicate, cooperate, and co-exist. To allow others to have freedoms that we may not agree with or go out and live. To allow others to have access to resources when in need without unnecessary checks and balances. It starts with us. How do we treat God? How do we treat our neighbors? From there, it builds the circle wider and wider until we truly see the Kingdom of God brought down to earth.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Think about what you want to do in life. Is it possible to be done without causing harm to others? If not, what can you do to ensure all people are cared for in that process?

Love As Jesus Loved

Paul doesn’t tell us to ignore our care for personal responsibilities, families, or needs. He’s calling out the self-centered drive of influence and advantages that society honors and breaks up the community. Christians are called to drive Jesus’ example, who didn’t use His skills for his own gain, but dedicated His life for the benefit of others. Love actively looks at the spiritual, physical, and practice health and compassion for each other. The early church fulfilled this through sharing possessions and providing for those in need. This fulfills the command to love each other as we love each other.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: Read Acts 2:44-45. How do you see a system like this happening in our life today? Do you think that this would work in our economy?

Be Kind

Think about different ways we can care for others in our lives today. It can be anything from acts of kindness, to listening to stories of others, to providing support in whatever capacity is need. Sometimes people want you to just do something for them. If notice that a person is stressing caring for their new child, go bring a meal to them, do a chore – something that allows a new parent to spend time with their child. Listen to their needs and respond accordingly. Don’t assume that you know what’s best. Let them tell you, and at worst – ask them clearly. Another key thing is to listen to people. A lot of us are struggling with loneliness in this world, so having someone listening to our stories, or stressors, and everything in between is super important. Don’t listen to judge or problem solve, but listen to allow someone to feel lighter. Ask questions, when appropriate, and learn more about each other. God encourages us to build relationships when possible. Provide support when you can. Offering your time, talents, and resources to meet the needs of those around us. All of these things, and more, are how we can love as Jesus loved, and humble ourselves before God.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: What can you do to care for others?