“Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.” ~ Philippians 2:3 (MSG)
REFERENCE:
Philippians 2:1-4 (MSG)
In this world of competition and intense rivalry between people, businesses, and companies, there is a rising tendency for selfishness and lack of empathy. It is a dog-eat-dog world, and people don’t care how or who they hurt to get to the top. That is contrary to the spirit of Christianity. As Christians, we are lifted when we lift others and help others get ahead.
Paul, in this epistle, gave the Philippian church an admonition that undergirds true Christianity: love, which manifests itself in acts of loyalty, sacrifice, and preferring others. He inferred that these virtues come from following Christ and being impacted by His love and that they should characterize the Christian and the community of believers. He listed some of these virtues as:
a. Walking in agreement: avoiding divisive statements and comments.
b. Love and Friendship: acting from unselfish motives and building friendships that build us.
c. No Self-promotion and flattery: trying to undermine others to gain an advantage.
d. Selflessness and nobility: not being obsessed with your own goals or objectives alone to the point of hurting others, but being kind and considerate enough to help others get ahead.
Jesus modeled these when He left His heavenly glory to become human to die for us on the cross. He did it to help ‘others’ get ahead. This is genuine Christianity. British James Teagle missed a turn at the Spanish Santander Triathlon and ran into a metal barrier just before crossing the finish line in third place. That made Spanish Diego Mentrida gain third place. But instead of crossing the finish line, Mentrida stopped and allowed Teagle to retake his position and finish third. The pair shook hands just before Teagle crossed the line.
After the race, Mentrida said Teagle deserved the finish. He said, “This is something my parents and club taught me since childhood. In my view, it should be a normal thing to do.” Race organizers gave Mentrida an honorary third prize of nearly $350, although he finished fourth. Would you have done this? Have you been considerate enough to help others get ahead? Are you so obsessed with pushing yourself and others despite getting hurt? Think again, be a Christian.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Philippians 2:5-11, Romans 12:10, and Luke 14:7-11
PRAYER:
+ Lord, cure me of every selfishness that keeps me from walking in love.
+ I often fear being taken advantage of if I reach out in kindness. Lord, take away this fear, help me obey You, and leave the consequences to You. I trust You, Lord.
+ Lord, show me and bring into my life someone whom You want me to help give a push in life.
