Postures Of Advent: A Daily Christmas DevotionalExemplo

This passage from Philippians is radically counter-cultural. It takes intentionality to not look to our own interests but each to the interests of others (v. 4). Who does that? 

What would that even look like?

We live in a hyper-individualistic culture. We look out for our own. We save up for our futures. We speak up only when an issue concerns us; so we don’t ruffle any feathers.

But in this passage, Paul invites Christ followers to a different way. 

The passage starts by naming our motivation: unity in Christ, comfort of His love, sharing in the Spirit, tenderness and compassion (v. 1). 

If we experience those things, Paul says, then we ought to live differently. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.… [Do] not look to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others” (v. 3-4). 

It’s a drastically different way of life that is made possible by the influence of Christ’s mindset in our lives. 

And what’s the result? 

That “every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father” (v. 11), that more people are drawn into this counter-cultural way of Christ.

Reflections:

• What is God saying to you through this passage?
• What in this passage comforts you? What challenges you?
• Whose interests do you look to? In what ways can you begin to look to the interests of others?

As you seek out ways to look to the interests of others today, you will bring the comfort and love of Jesus to others around you.