Philippians 2: Humility! "It is Not Thinking of Yourself at All"

Today, let us continue here in Philippians chapter 2, verses 3 and 4. In the firsttwo verses Paul has been talking first about the right motives for spiritualunity and a submissive mind (vs. 1-2a). Then he talked about the right marks ofspiritual unity and a submissive mind (v. 2b). Now we are talking about theright means—the right means of spiritual unity (vs. 3-4). First,in verse 3a, Paul speaks of the negative and he says, “Let nothing be donethrough selfish ambition or conceit.” That is the negative. We are to makesure we do everything in humility and that we do not have vain conceit as we dowhat God wants us to do with a submissive mind and with unity in the Spirit inthe body of Christ. Nowin verses 3b-4, Paul goes on and deals with the positive and the practical. “…butin lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each ofyou look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest ofothers.” This is humility in action. Humilityis not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. OswaldChambers put it this way: “It is not thinking of yourself at all.”Because as you are displaying the mind of Christ, living for Him, servingothers, and putting others first, you do not have time to think about yourself. Yourprayers can, of course, be personal, asking God for grace and help in time ofneed. But at the same time, your prayers will mostly be intercessory. You willbe concerned about the needs, hurts, pains, and sorrows of others. This ishumility in action. “Esteemingothers better than yourselves” does not mean pretending others are morecapable or more gifted. It means choosing to treat them as more important. I liketo put it this way: Make sure every person—from the youngest baby and child tothe oldest person around you—is treated as a person of tremendous value. Theywere created in the image of God, and God loves them. With God’s love, weshould love them. And when you meet a believer, you are meeting Christ Jesus! RememberSaul’s (Paul’s) experience in Acts 9:4-5: “Then he fell to the ground, andheard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecutingMe?" And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" Then the Lord said,"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick againstthe goads." In other words when you mistreat a believer, Jesus Himselfhas said that you are mistreating Him! Think about that! Myfriend, this practically means rejoicing when others succeed, honoring themabove yourself, and wanting what is best for them no matter who they are. Thatis what you pray for. That is what you desire. You see them, as Oswald Chamberssays, as they are in Christ. This is exactly what Jesus did. ThenPaul adds, “Look out for the interests of others.” This does not mean ignoringyour own needs. It means not stopping there. It means living with a broaderperspective. Lot lived for himself. Remember Lot, Abraham’s nephew? He chosethe land that looked like Egypt, near Sodom and Gomorrah, and he losteverything. Abraham chose to go the other way, wherever Lot did not go. Helived for others and became a blessing to the nations. Myfriend, this is the submissive mind—not me first, but others next. When achurch lives this way, joy overflows, unity is preserved, and the gospeladvances with power. Here is a simple challenge this week: Ask the Lord to showyou one specific way to put this into practice. Maybe it is yielding apreference. Maybe it is encouraging someone you struggle with. Remember Romans12:21: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Jesus said thesame thing in Matthew 5:43–44. Pray for someone who maybe irritates you. Putthis into practice, and if we do that, we will fulfill Paul’s joy. Remember hesaid, “Do these things; fulfill my joy.”