Others First
The Cure for Conceit Is a Cross-Shaped Life
SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 2:3 CSB - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.
OBSERVATION:
In Philippians chapter 2, Paul teaches us how to live an other-centered life—how to put others first. He highlights four key areas that shape this mindset:
Ambition - Not all ambition is bad. There is godly ambition—ambition that seeks to glorify God. But there is also selfish ambition, which seeks only to promote ourselves.
Philippians 2:3 CSB - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.
OBSERVATION:
In Philippians chapter 2, Paul teaches us how to live an other-centered life—how to put others first. He highlights four key areas that shape this mindset:
- Ambition
- Conceit
- Humility
- Others
Ambition - Not all ambition is bad. There is godly ambition—ambition that seeks to glorify God. But there is also selfish ambition, which seeks only to promote ourselves.
Much of what we do is not done out of love for others, but out of our own desire for “advancement” or “promotion” (selfish ambition). – David Guzik
When my ambitions are selfish, I find it hard, nearly impossible, to think of others first. When I do think about people, it’s often only in terms of how they can help me get what I want.
Conceit – It makes it easy to believe the lie that we are the “greatest thing since sliced bread.” When I think that way, I’m not putting others first. I’m putting myself first—something that is completely contrary to Christ’s nature.
Conceit – It makes it easy to believe the lie that we are the “greatest thing since sliced bread.” When I think that way, I’m not putting others first. I’m putting myself first—something that is completely contrary to Christ’s nature.
An excessively favorable opinion of one’s own ability, importance, wit, and so forth. When we live with the feeling that we are so important, or so able, or so talented, we are out of God’s will. We are working against the unity Paul pleaded with the Philippians and all Christians to have. – David Guzik
Paul challenges this mindset directly in Philippians 2:
Philippians 2:5-8 CSB - Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death -- even to death on a cross.
Humility - In the New King James Version, Paul uses the phrase “lowliness of mind”—a way to express humility.
In ancient Greek culture, humility was not a virtue—it was a flaw.
Philippians 2:5-8 CSB - Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death -- even to death on a cross.
Humility - In the New King James Version, Paul uses the phrase “lowliness of mind”—a way to express humility.
In ancient Greek culture, humility was not a virtue—it was a flaw.
The pagan and the secular idea of manhood is self-assertiveness, imposing one’s will on others; when anyone stooped to others he did so only under compulsion, hence his action was ignominious [disgraceful]. The Christian ethical idea of humility could not be reached by the secular mind; it lacked the spiritual soil. - R.C.H. Lenski
Not much has changed. Our culture still rewards assertiveness and self-promotion more than it rewards humility.
The apostle knew that, to create concord, you need first to beget lowliness of mind. Men do not quarrel when their ambitions have come to an end. – Charles Spurgeon
Others - In his book Not Beyond Reach, Aaron Pierce (of Steiger Ministries) shares a story about a barista wearing a pin that read, “Other People.” When he asked what it meant, she replied, “Think of other people first.” She didn’t even realize she was quoting a principle straight from Philippians!
Aaron goes on to point out that this younger generation so wants to follow biblical principles that they don’t even realize they are trying to.
Aaron goes on to point out that this younger generation so wants to follow biblical principles that they don’t even realize they are trying to.
If I consider you above me and you consider me above you, then a marvelous thing happens: we have a community where everyone is looked up to, and no one is looked down on. – David Guzik
That’s the beauty of an other-centered life.
APPLICATION:
As a society—and even within the Church—have we lost the “others first” mindset? Have we become more focused on how we think the world should be, rather than on humbling ourselves and genuinely valuing others above ourselves?
Have we perhaps lost sight of the heart of the Gospel?
I would argue that if we took more time to sit with the younger generation and practiced what Paul preached—considering others first—we’d witness powerful transformation in both their generation and ours. The question is: Will we?
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me be other-centered. Teach me to put others first. Let my ambitions be driven not by selfishness but by a heart that seeks to value others above myself. Help me walk in humility and compassion. May I become more like You—gentle, humble, and full of love and concern for those around me.
APPLICATION:
As a society—and even within the Church—have we lost the “others first” mindset? Have we become more focused on how we think the world should be, rather than on humbling ourselves and genuinely valuing others above ourselves?
Have we perhaps lost sight of the heart of the Gospel?
I would argue that if we took more time to sit with the younger generation and practiced what Paul preached—considering others first—we’d witness powerful transformation in both their generation and ours. The question is: Will we?
PRAYER:
Jesus, help me be other-centered. Teach me to put others first. Let my ambitions be driven not by selfishness but by a heart that seeks to value others above myself. Help me walk in humility and compassion. May I become more like You—gentle, humble, and full of love and concern for those around me.
When everyone in a community genuinely considers others more important than themselves, you get a place where everyone is looked up to, and no one is looked down on.
Posted in 11 - Philippians
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