Philippians 2

Paul shows us how to act as Christians throughout this chapter and how to act toward others. Verse 4 says, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.” Too many times we get caught up in our fast-paced lives and center our focus on ourselves. When we do, we tend to shun and hurt others, stomping over them to get what we want. By doing this, we give the devil a perfect foothold to tear us apart. Instances of hurt feelings, lead to neglect and resentment, where evil festers and destroys what could have been great works for Christ.

As we discussed yesterday in Sunday School, it is our responsibility to lift one another up, to support in times of need, to strengthen our weakened brothers and sisters until they can get back on their feet. If we are focusing only on our own interests, we fail to see the needs of others. As they fall, we all are weakened, and it continues until we all fall, one by one or as a group.

However, if we look out for one another, as intended, then we build a network of help and support where a need of one is filled by many, a network so strong that nothing can knock us down. I am reminded of the great redwood trees, one of earth’s tallest, strongest, oldest living trees, but it has surprisingly, extremely shallow roots, unlike other trees. However, these trees stand firm because the roots of each tree intertwine with the roots of other redwoods. Where each tree is connected to the other by interlocking their roots; which makes it almost impossible to knock them down, which explains why they survive and stand tall for many, many years. If each tree only worked on its own roots, focusing only on its own survival, then it would be centered in one area, susceptible to destruction by storms and erosion. That is how it is with us, by only focusing on ourselves, we all suffer, but by helping each other, we all gain.

Lord, please help me to not be so focused on my interests that I ignore the interests of others. Help me to be like Jesus who humbled Himself as Your servant and served the needs of others for Your glory and saved us all.