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. ~ Philippians 2.3-4
Paul gives the readers of Philippians two simple things to do: value others above yourself and look to the interests of others. These commands may be simple, but they are not easy. Indeed, obeying these two commands doesn’t happen overnight. If we want to obey Paul’s commands, it’ll take work and a dose of painful, honest reflection. Pride is one of the most difficult things to spot, let alone root out of our life.
Paul also provides two character traits to eliminate. First, we must rid ourselves of selfishness; second, we must stamp out conceit. Selfishness and pride are intimately linked. We need to replace selfishness and pride by cultivating a spirit of humility and gratitude.
Today, memorize Philippians 2.3-4. Repeat it to yourself on a regular basis to remind yourself of the importance of eliminating selfishness and conceit.
