Philippians 2:3-4 – Don’t Do This

“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.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Usually, we focus on the positive things we should do to reflect good character and be more Christ-like. Here the verses focus on some “don’ts” as well. Either way, from whatever angle we come at these behaviors, this is good counsel. How much better the world would be if people just behaved like Paul suggests.

Context: In Chapter 2, Paul is sharing with us how we can have an attitude like Christ. We know he was 100% man as well as 100% God, but we can learn so much from how Jesus lived and behaved. He could not sin because he was God, so we have to work extra hard to try and attain some of what Paul teaches us. This chapter is full of great wisdom, but these verses go a long way to helping us be better humans.

The human condition is flawed in so many ways, but the focus on self could be considered an epidemic. Selfishness taints relationships and blinds us from thinking of others. We all know how it feels to be on the receiving end of selfish behavior. It’s hurtful and heartbreaking. We can feel lost and alone. We are likely causing that pain for someone else because of our own selfishness.

The distractions of life are plentiful, but striving to please and impress others is certainly a good example. I’ve been a people pleaser as long as I can remember. Making sure I had good grades was ultimately to make my parents proud. I didn’t want to let them down. Then it was trying to get attention from my teachers because I was such a quiet child I could was often lost in the shuffle. In reality, God is the only one we should be trying to please but thinking we could impress him would be foolish.

Jesus was the best example of humility. He stepped down from his throne on high to become human. That alone is one of those hard to fathom truths we should never take for granted. Jesus became human. The punishment and death he endured for us was the ultimate expression of his humility. How can we even begin to understand that? Yet humbling ourselves is another great way we can put on the attitude of Christ.

The last direction to consider is taking an interest in others. You know how good it feels when someone acknowledges you. Why is it we aren’t more intentional about caring for others in this way? People like to be seen and feel like they have been heard. With the rise in smart phones, more and more people are buried in their phones rather than having real conversations. If we’re struggling even to connect with people sitting across the table from us, what does our communication with God look like?

Paul’s words strike a chord with us because they expose our weaknesses. I don’t think I’m the only one that stumbles in the areas he counsels on here. This verse is a great reminder to keep us grounded so that we can focus on what matters most to God.

Let’s pray. Father God, I thank you for how you protect me each day. I want to live my life in such a way that people see me and want what I’ve got. I’ve got you, God. Help me to keep my eyes on you and never take you for granted. Forgive me for my selfish heart and my rebellious ways. You are what sustains me and moves me forward. I look to you for your guidance. Your blessings overflow. Use me today to be your light in this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.