The Interests of Others

Sunrise over Mexico. I pray for and am worried for my brothers and sisters who are suffering. 

Scripture

Phil. 2:⁴ Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

Observation

Paul’s second “not,” “but” statement must be taken within the entire context of this passage. In English we have made this a separate sentence, but it is not in Greek. This is a continuation of a thought where there is no room for selfish ambition or conceit, but rather a lifestyle of humility as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. In light of the model that we find in Christ, we are not to look to our own interests, but we are admonished to look to the interests of others. 

There were menacing divisions beginning to appear in the church in Philippi. Petty arguments threatened to tear the church apart, and all of this done in the presence of the citizens of the city. The witness of the church was at stake, as well as the reputation of Jesus Christ. Paul knew that the community had to maintain an unselfish mind-set, or they would be torn apart.

Application

In the midst of the COVID19 crisis we must consider whether the witness of the church is shining through in her unity. Cranfield tells us, “Such unity will only come when Christians are humble and bold enough to lay hold on the unity already given in Christ and to take it more seriously than their own self–importance.”(C. E. B. Cranfield, The First Epistle of Peter [SCM, 1950], pp. 75-76) This unity only comes when followers of Christ place a greater value to being “in” Christ, than caring for their own personal wants or needs. 

Some translations have added the word “only” to the first part of the passage, “Let each of you look not only to your…” This gives us a pass and the right to our own interests. That’s not what the passage says in the original language; it says to not be focused on yourself, but on others. Jesus gave up all of his rights to provide for our salvation. The passage is leading us to the point of imitation of Christ. 

If participation in — and imitation of Christ is what Paul is asking for in the life of a believer, then the interests of others must come first. So, what does that mean for us in this season of COVID19?  Paul gives us a framework for decision-making that comes from the very heart of Christ, and that is to look to the interests of others. We are to make wise decisions based upon what is best for others — and not on what we want for ourselves. John Wesley says that if we fail to do so, “ye have not bowels of mercies.” What a thought! The ways in which we act and react are a reflection of that which resides deep down inside of us. 

We are living in a season of fear and anxiety. Everything about our lives has been turned upside down. The temptation is to hold onto everything that we can in order to have some semblance of control. Sharing may even seem difficult in this season for we don’t know what lies ahead. Wanting your own needs met above the concerns of others may fulfill a desire for a semblance of normalcy, but it will not lead you to Christlikeness. 

Jesus’ call to countercultural living was a challenge for the Philippians. It’s not meant to be easy for us either, and it can only become second-nature when we focus first on our participation in Christ. We are to be “Christlike disciples in the nations,” reflecting Jesus and caring for the interests of others. 

Prayer

Lord, I want to know you more. Amen.