Joy — Philippians 2 – Wednesday
TODAY’S VERSE
Philippians 2:3-4
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. (ESV)
Two years ago, God called me into a season of transition. At first, I didn’t know what that was going to look like. I pretty much begged God daily to show me the path ahead, but He had other plans. No, child. He’d say. Trust Me one step at a time.
One step at a time.
I knew that whatever He was calling me into, it involved a new place to live and a new job. Kind of foolishly, I thought for a little while that meant He was offering an opportunity for a better apartment, or maybe the chance to call a space my own without roommates. How shortsighted.
Looking back (because hindsight is 20/20), several of the detours I took (and at least some of the frustration I experienced) probably could’ve been spared if I’d really taken to heart Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3-4: “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.”
While there were days my focus was on the right things, there sure were plenty of others where I’d get caught up in my idea of what my future ought to look like to me. And in the process, I spent a few weeks (okay, months) distracted by my own ambition before honestly and wholeheartedly asking God to provide opportunities to serve others and put them first. To put the interests of others above my own interests. To set aside my selfish ambition, let go of the control I never had in the first place, and offer my little life to the service of His Kingdom, whatever that looked like.
God taught me a LOT of lessons in that season, some I’m sure He’ll have to remind me again and again. But here’s something I hope to take with me the rest of my life: There’s no use, no benefit, and no long-term gain to living in a kingdom of me. The Kingdom of God is a MUCH better investment, and His plans are a hundredfold better than anything my simple mind can scheme up.
I thank God literally every day for the opportunity to serve this church family, and I know with certainty that following in the way of Jesus is the very best decision anyone can make.
APPLICATION
Every morning for the rest of the week, ask God to show you one person to serve. Then, anticipate His faithfulness, look expectantly for opportunities to serve, and follow through when you feel the prompting of the Spirit.
PRAYER
Lord, Your Kingdom is a worthy investment. Correct my selfish heart and humble me to seek the interests of others far above my own interests. My life is Yours, Lord, and I want to live in service to Your Kingdom. Open my eyes to see and serve those around me. All glory and honor and praise be to You, King Jesus. Amen.
