Category Archives: Others

Bible, Interests, Ministry, Needs, Others, Prayer, Scripture

THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS

PHILIPPIANS 2:4

“do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

As I am writing this devotion this morning, my across the street neighbor is having some type of medical emergency. I have only talked to him a few times as he just moved in a while ago. However, I know he is a believer. We have talked about that. So, as I watch the EMTs go into his house, I am lifting a prayer for him. Today’s verse really hit home this morning.

Paul continues his thought from the previous few verses in today’s verse. He is saying that it is not just about us. We need to keep the needs of others before our own. I read this description of this thought. “To ‘look upon’ here is something more than ‘to seek.’ It expresses that insight into the thoughts, hopes, aspirations of others, which only a self-forgetting love can give, as well as the care to consider their welfare and happiness.” (Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers) Do you have that “self-forgetting” love for others?

APPLICATION

This interest in others does not give us license to interfere. Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 warn us about that. “For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.” See also 1 Timothy 5:13 and 1 Peter 4:15. Hmmm, I’ve known a few of those, haven’t you? Don’t be like that.

Instead of meddling in other people’s affairs, show genuine concern and love for them. How is that done? First of all, pray for others. Ask them how you can pray for them and then do it. Pray right there for them. Nothing softens the heart like prayer. And if that prayer needs some “feet” to it, do what you can to meet that need.

Back to my neighbor – the ambulance just drove off. I did not run over while the EMTs were there as that would have been meddling. I will go over later today and find out how I can pray. Perhaps I can go to the hospital and check on him. Putting feet to prayers is a good thing. Whatever you do, be genuine. Show Christ’s love to others in the same way He would have.

Lord, give me Your compassion and love for others and show me how to meet their needs if appropriate.

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Bible, Jesus, Others, Sacrifice, Scripture

FOR YOUR SAKES

PHILIPPIANS 1:24

“yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes.”

Part of being a parent or grandparent is choosing to do things for others. Take for example, my wife and I felt led by the Lord to move to Knoxville from Chattanooga last year. Chattanooga has been our home for much of our married life. We have a lot of friends there, a great home church and thousands of memories. But when our daughter asked us to move to Knoxville to help care for our grandson when he arrived, we did – for her sake.

Paul was prepared to die for Christ, but here in today’s verse he comes to his conclusion. God wanted him to stay here and continue preaching the Gospel. Paul says it “is more necessary.” Strong’s Lexicon defines the Greek word there this way. “The Greek word ἀναγκαῖος (anagkaios) is used to describe something that is necessary or essential. It conveys the idea of something that is required or indispensable, often in the context of fulfilling a duty or meeting a need.” Paul was fulfilling his duty as an apostle of Christ and putting his own desires behind him.

APPLICATION

Paul uses another phrase in today’s verse, “for your sakes,” that I find quite interesting. He uses it in 2 Corinthians 2:10 when he writes, “But one whom you forgive anything, I also forgive; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did so for your sakes in the presence of Christ,” Doing for others. All of Paul’s Christian life was about that. His needs came second or third, never first.

We see John using “for your sakes” when he describes the scene surrounding Lazarus’ death. In John 11:14-15 we read, “14 So Jesus then said to them plainly, ‘Lazarus died, 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let’s go to him.’” What seemed cruel and insensitive (not running to heal Lazarus when He first heard he was sick) was an intentional act to help the disciples see Who He really was.

What have you done this week for the sake of someone else? I was getting into my truck the other day at Walmart when I noticed an elderly lady pushing her cart towards her car. It was raining and she was trying push the cart and hold her umbrella in some rather windy conditions. So, what did I do? I drove off. Just kidding. I jumped out and asked if I could help. She very timidly accepted my help. That was done for her sake. What will you do today?

Father God, forgive me when I pursue my own desires above others. Give me Your heart for the sake of others.

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