A Call To Be Selfless
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIVUK)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Nothing, states Paul, is to be done out of selfish ambition. The Greek wording used here indicates 'an inordinate eagerness to seek gain, a vying for power or prestige.' It describes a mercenary motive of self-interest and refers to self-seeking aspirations and interests.
It’s not the heart of God for his children to be selfish; we are called to be selfless, putting the needs of others before our own desires. How easy is it to think and act selfishly for our own material gain or advancement? How often have there been times when we look to progress our careers and climb the ‘corporate ladder’ to please our own egos and interests, but eventually, we end up feeling short-changed and empty-handed?
These verses can be challenging to adhere to when the 'desires of the flesh' demand to be satisfied. It can be a constant battle to deny the flesh and live in tune with the Spirit when appealing opportunities suddenly materialise to wage war against our spiritual nature. But we are reminded by Paul to deny our fleshly desires and be humble, putting others' needs first.
What does humility look like in the twenty-first century? Well, in my life, it looks like small acts of humility, such as opening the door for my colleagues at work or offering a word of encouragement in hard or difficult moments. What does humility look like in your workplace? Is it something that you constantly cultivate? It can be difficult to portray humility in a world that so often has a ‘me-first’ mantra, but God has called us to be selfless, even if it comes at a high cost. By submitting to the authority of God and choosing to walk in humility, one day you and I will hear him say to us, ‘Welcome home, good and faithful servant’.
Prayer - Lord, I surrender my desire to put my needs before others. Help me to be selfless in everything I do, despite what it could cost.