In today's fast paced world, each one wants to get ahead in life. The means do not matter; by hook or crook you need to get to the top, for one's own benefit. To climb the ladder up in the corporate world quickly, one needs to be highly ambitious. To keep up with the pace you need to talk about yourself, make known to everyone all the good you do, push others and put yourself before all.
Sounds familiar? Think something is missing somewhere? Let’s get back to the Bible to see what Christ taught us to do. Philippians 2:3-4 says 'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.'
What a nice world it would be if Philippians 2:3 actually happened in reality! When we look for the interest of the other, we would not lose, for our need will automatically be taken care of. Even if we did lose something here in this fleeting life on earth, we sure would gain in multiple folds in eternity. Remember, for us as believers eternity is what actually counts!
The passage in Philippians further tells us of how Christ put us before Himself. He is the perfect role model, wherein He humbled Himself completely, gave up everything that tells of His majesty and royalty in order that ‘I’ may be saved. He did not think of the suffering He will have to undergo, the ultimate Sacrifice He will have to make, but put Himself to total humiliation when He thought of you and me.
Will be able to do the same that Christ did? When your colleague gets credited for what you did or when your boss overlooks something you really need to be appreciated. Are we able to stay calm and be peaceful? Looks like putting others first is difficult in reality? When what Christ did for us truly meant something for us and if we have been changed by His saving grace, we surely would be able to put the other person before us.
Some questions to ask ourselves and ponder:
Am I looking for the good of the other person or mine own?
Am I able to sacrifice for my neighbour?
Am I willing to come forward and talk for my brother (even when it costs me dearly)?
Am I able to give myself up?
What are the hindrances to put the other person first? How can I overcome?
30th Apr, '10
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