Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

                                                                                                                Philippians 2:3-4 

Perhaps it’s the best example of the depravity of mankind: selfishness. Our natural bent is to concern ourselves with only what affects or interests us. We focus on our lives, our families, our careers, and our desires. But Paul tells us to “do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit.” Selfishness comes from a word suggesting the “desire to push oneself forward.” Empty conceit can be defined as, “an inordinate pride in oneself or one’s achievements.” This concept also points to excessive vanity. So Paul instructs us, as believers, to abandon these attitudes and to adopt a spirit of humility.

Paul ramps up his declaration to abandon selfishness by suggesting that we are to “regard one another as more important than ourselves.” I believe that every individual has intrinsic value in the eyes of God. Given that reality, it makes sense that we, as followers of Christ, should have that same attitude. Paul says that we are not only to consider others as equals but we should catapult them to the category of “more important.” I wonder how often we view others around us as more important? It is an easy concept to declare and understand however it runs completely contrary to our nature. But Paul is not finished.

When we consider others as more important than ourselves it requires that we look out for the interests of other people. Our own interests require a considerable amount of our time but we are to also take the time to look out for others. Whether it is yielding in the line at the grocery store or simply checking on the neighbor next door, when we selflessly attend to the needs of others, we are exemplifying what it means to be a Christian.

So how do we live lives void of selfishness and empty conceit? Let me suggest three things: 

1. Be good stewards of the gospel.

Being a good steward of the gospel means sharing the good news about salvation and redemption as often as we can and with as many people as we have opportunity. When we commit ourselves to the sharing of good news, we are truly looking out for the interests of others. Eternal salvation of someone’s soul should top the list of life’s priorities. As Jesus reminds us, “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:25) Sharing the gospel is the very best thing that we could ever do in the lives of others.

2. Establish relationships with others, especially those who differ from us.

It is difficult to speak to some about spiritual matters when physical, mental, and emotional needs are not also met. Jesus gives us a great example as He met the physical needs of people as well as speaking truth into their lives. When Jesus was on the scene, people were delivered physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We too must consider building relationships with others as a vital part of sharing the good news. When we bridge gaps between others, especially those who differ from us, we are increasing our opportunity to share the gospel. Our attitude toward others, including placing their needs above our own, legitimizes our message and often earns us the right to speak truth into the lives of our neighbors.

3. Get rid of condescending attitudes.

There is no place for condescending attitudes in the Christian life. We cannot place others ahead of ourselves nor believe that they are more important if we hang on to attitudes that project our worth above that of others. Patronizing others, haughtiness, and arrogance work against Paul’s instruction. Placing the needs of others above our own requires ridding ourselves of attitudes of spiritual superiority. Humility in spirit is the hallmark of authentic Christian behavior. The clarity of the gospel rises when the people of God behave in ways consistent with it.

So what about us? Are we self-absorbed or selflessly living for the benefit of others? When we focus on bettering the lives of those around us, we begin to experience the superiority of God’s plan for this life!