January 19, 2016
You First!
[Jesus]
humbled himself. - Philippians 2:8
Read:
Philippians
2:1-11
Tibetan-born Sherpa
Nawang Gombu and American Jim Whittaker reached the top of Mount Everest on May
1, 1963. As they approached the peak, each considered the honor of being the
first of the two to step to the summit. Whittaker motioned for Gombu to move
ahead, but Gombu declined with a smile, saying, “You first, Big Jim!” Finally,
they decided to step to the summit at the same time.
Paul encouraged the
Philippian believers to demonstrate this kind of humility. He said, “Let each
of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of
others” (Phil. 2:4 nkjv). Selfishness and superiority can divide people, but
humility unites us, since it is the quality of “being one in spirit and of one
mind” (v. 2).
When quarrels and disagreements occur, we can
often diffuse them by giving up our right to be right. Humility calls us to
show grace and gentleness when we would rather insist on our own way. “In
humility value others above yourselves” (v. 3).
Practicing humility helps us to become more
like Jesus who, for our sake, “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death”
(vv. 7-8). Following in Jesus’ footsteps means backing away from what is best
for us and doing what is best for others.
Jesus, You gave up Your life for me. Help me to see each
sacrifice I make as a reflection of Your humility. In putting others first, let
me honor You.
Humility promotes unity.
INSIGHT:
The church at Philippi, established by Paul
during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:6–40), was a growing and faithful
church that had actively supported Paul’s ministry (Phil. 1:5; 4:15–19). In
this thank-you letter, Paul encouraged the Philippians to continue to grow and
mature in their faith even in the midst of persecution (1:9–11, 25–30; 4:1). In
today’s reading Paul describes what mature Christians look like. They are not
selfish or proud, but genuinely care for others (vv. 3–4). Presenting Christ as
their perfect model, Paul urged the believers to “have the same mindset as
Christ Jesus” (v. 5)—to live as Jesus did with humility, unquestioned
obedience, and sacrificial service (vv. 6–8).
Source: Our Daily Bread 2016