Devotion in Philippians 2

Daily Nugget:
Philippians 2 teaches a principle that the world, including our public educational system, has not understood for quite some time. Again and again, it is taught that “you are the most important person,” and building one’s self-esteem should be a priority. That is the opposite of what the Bible teaches.

Here in this chapter, the Philippians were reminded that instead of building up one’s pride, they should make another’s needs more important than their own. Instead of being prideful about ourselves, we should be humble.
“… but in lowliness of mind …” (Philippians 2:3).

Verse three says that we should “… esteem others better than themselves.” Instead of being number one, we should be lower in rank. Meeting others’ needs should be important in our lives.

Some would be quick to retort, “It wouldn’t be healthy for me if I didn’t feel good about myself.” It is not talking about “feeling good about yourself” here. If you put others’ needs above your own, you will feel better about yourself. You will feel needed. We usually feel best about ourselves when we have accomplished something positive for someone else. If you want to feel good about yourself, and you should meet the needs of others.

In nursing homes I preach at, I have talked about this among the elderly. They have admitted this biblical truth to be true in their lives. They recall the happiest days of their lives to be when they were raising their children. They were so busy working to pay the bills, spending long hours doing their children’s laundry, and taking their free time to play with their youngsters, that they did not have time to think of themselves.

Many in the homes have admitted that there is no one else to take care of except themselves, they often find that their self-esteem is lower. They fight depression more in their latter years than they ever did when others’ needs were more of a priority.

Today’s philosophy, contrary to the biblical one, only produces selfish people. Ones that only think of themselves and how they should have their needs met are usually the most miserable, unsatisfied people. The more self-centered they get, the worse they feel.

Finding yourself feeling low? Feeling like there is not a purpose in your life? Get your mind off yourself and do something for others.
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Philippians 2:4

Today’s Thought: 
“Others, Lord, yes others; let this my motto be. Please let me think of others, before I think of me.” — Author Unknown

Words to Understand:
Esteem: regard highly

Today’s Reading:
Philippians 2
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
14 ¶ Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.