Philippians 2:20-21 “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.”
Did you have breakfast this morning, or are you hungry? Did you have a good night’s sleep last night, or are you a bit sleepy? It’s amazing how naturally and thoroughly we know our own needs; we care automatically and consistently for ourselves.
The word care involves two things: action and awareness. Let me explain. In caring for yourself today, you either took action (ate breakfast, went to bed early, etc.) or you are aware that you have a need (hunger, sleepiness, etc.). We don’t need others to point out to us what we need; we care for ourselves and love ourselves naturally.
We see in verse 21 that “all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” This care for our own needs is not something we must learn to do; we all do it naturally. If everyone only lives by the law of natural care, nothing will be achieved for the cause of Christ.
Most of the time, the thing that is easiest-the choice that is most self-serving-is not the thing that is best in the light of eternity. To make a difference for Christ, we must learn to turn our focus from ourselves and put it upon others and their needs. Thinking of me comes naturally; thinking of others comes supernaturally. A life lived for others is something only God can make possible. In I Corinthians 10:24, Paul says, “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.”
Let’s think about the two ways we care again: Awareness-am I aware of the needs of others around me? Do I take the time to find out what those needs might be? Action-Now that I see what someone’s needs are, what actions can I take to meet that need? We follow this thinking process so naturally for ourselves, but Christ wants us to think this way for others.
The Scriptures give several shining examples of men whose lives were lived, not for self, but in service to others. Here in this passage, Timothy naturally cared for the state of these Philippian believers.
Later in this chapter, we see a man named Epaphroditus who “ministered to my (Paul’s) wants” and “for the work of Christ . . . was nigh unto death, not regarding his life.” His focus, his aim, was not to make life easy for himself; it was to further the work of Christ, something that is only done through service and self-denial.
Our ultimate example of self-denying care for others is found in Jesus Christ. God Himself took human form, “made himself of no reputation,” “took upon him the form of a servant . . . humbled himself, and became obedient. . . .” Imagine that! God in the flesh made Himself obedient! And He did all of this to meet our deepest need.
Let us take on the mind of Christ. Let us live a life of care for other people. We do not do this naturally, but we can do it supernaturally through power of Christ living through us.
Prayer Requests:
1. Revival services tonight in Huntingdon, PA
2. Bill Rice Ranch Elementary Retreat II this weekend (9/11-12)
3. West Branch Regional Youth Conference in Phoenix, AZ this weekend (9/12)