- Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus… Philippians 2:5 – In speaking with the church of Philippi Paul tells them they need to have a particular mindset in their thinking moving forward. One that was far different than the pagan world around them for this was in fact the mindset of Christ when He walked the earth. Jesus set the example for them on how to think and behave, and now it was the church’s turn to follow that example. Christ’s example was one of true humility. Paul directs them in the prior verses to not let selfish ambition be the fuel behind why you do what you do. Don’t focus only on your own interests and needs in this life, but make the space to care for the interests and needs of others. Jesus was willing to humble Himself to the form of a human servant, all for the sake of others, so our hearts shouldn’t oppose the idea of allowing others needs to be considered first before ours. This was Christ’s mind, and so should it be ours. Let’s not allow pride to be the dictator in our story. Other’s needs can be dealt with before ours. Other’s interests can be what we pursue over ours. This doesn’t mean we are worthless and don’t deserve to be cared for ourselves, it means we choosing to follow the example of Jesus and trust God will take care of our needs as we follow His led. When we have this mindset of Christ’s humility within a community of believers that is doing the same, you can be sure each person’s needs will be overly met, which is the entire point of Paul’s words. Christ lived a different way so we could have a different life. The world has its pride and selfish ambitions that will lead to a lonely, exalted place, but following Jesus will lead to a rich community of love and care. I believe Jesus has the better plan. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3417
- For he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Philippians2:26 – From the beginning of this book to now, I feel like this verse sums it up. That even in his illness and difficulty he cared about others . He cared how their life with God was doing. He cared about their situation even when his own situation wasn’t good. How often do you find yourself thinking deeply about other’s wellbeing when you’re in a season of struggle? That’s the direction Paul is leading the church here and that God is leading you today. To think about others even when life isn’t going good for you. Don’t let the struggles keep you from caring about others and caring about their life with God. Jesus showed us that even on the cross He cared for his family, the criminal next to Him, and even those crucifying Him. If Jesus could do that, allow Him to strengthen you to begin caring about others even in your season of struggle. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 544
- Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 – Today is day 2 of high school camp for me, meaning the next few days of devotions will likely be tied deeply to what’s happening here at camp. As I read over this passage, my heart is full after how I’ve been seeing this passage play out in our church. At VBS last week we had so many people choose to not just care for their own interests but chose to care and love on all the little ones that came. I’m also here at camp this week with 4 other adult sponsors, and while camp is great, if it was only our interests that mattered, none of us would be sleeping in these dorms away from our comfy beds. But that’s not what matters most. As a believer in Jesus, life is now not about us, it’s about those around us. Not our interests and desires, but the needs of others. How then can you this week make your life about the interest of others? Maybe it’s someone in your family, or someone at work, or maybe it’s a student in your camp dorm. There are needs around you today, step up to meet them and make your life’s focus on something greater than just your own interests. Jesus set the example of this perfectly, so let’s follow the lead of our Savior. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2403
Daily DEVO 