LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4, ESV
Theme: Be humble, not ambitious. Love, serve, and sacrifice for others in humility to honor God.
Read: Philippians 2:1-11
EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF
When we are first introduced to the “Guardians of the Galaxy,” they are a collection of self-serving misfits and under achievers. Their motivation is purely for personal profit and a quest to overcome their respective shortcomings. They aren’t exactly an elite military squadron, yet they eventually save humanity from annihilation. The characters are developed throughout the movie and their true personalities are revealed. We eventually see genuine care where there was initially egotism, confidence replaces insecurity, and community is prioritized over self-promotion. What started as infighting, and literally trying to kill each other, ends with sacrificial friendship. The “Guardians” didn’t come to the table with these superior qualities; they were developed through experience and even hardship.
PERSPECTIVE
At various stages of life, I’ve identified with each of the story’s heroes. While I’ve felt angry, inferior, and alone. At times, I have also been blessed with a sense of purpose, accomplishment and abounding love. The difference is often in my own outlook and motivation rather than a change in the people or circumstances around me. Just like our movie characters this week, each of us comes with our own history, experience, and baggage. It makes us who we are. Today, let’s consider how we can use those things to build His kingdom and serve His followers rather than exclusively for our own personal gain.
VALUE IN SACRIFICE
Is being ambitious contradictory to being a servant? Are the two mutually exclusive? Mark 10:45 reminds us that God Himself, Jesus, came to serve, teach and sacrifice for those undeserving and who could never repay. While the world would have us charging to the front of every line while we put a crown on our own head, Jesus taught that the first shall be last, the meek shall inherit the earth, we should give without expectation of repayment, to walk the extra mile and to yield the seat of honor. As believers, we are now called to follow His model and humble ourselves in sacrificial service, giving honor to God, without falling prey to self-glorification. A blessing, through us, allows others to see God’s glory when we step out of the way, yielding out of reverence to Him.
Make It Personal: Let’s consider where God is calling us to humility today. We don’t have to abandon all ambition, we simply need to re-evaluate our motives. Focus on serving Him and others with exuberance. The ultimate goal is pleasing our Creator, not ourselves and not this world. Humbly enter into His presence, pray for Him to reveal how you can be used and ask that He show you where to deflect worldly praise and point to Him.
Pray: Today I ask you to sit in silent prayer. Rather than filling this time with words, seek to listen for only His voice. Allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for a few moments, guiding you in quiet reflection and surrender. Amen.
Read: Mark 10:43-45; Galatians 5:13-15; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Peter 4:10-11
Weekly Memory Verse: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Matthew 16:26, ESV