Recognition Vs. Jesus’s Example of Serving

Attitudes: Freedom or Chains?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…(Philippians 2:3-5 NIV)

Recognition

Wednesday is our day to ponder deeper. This verse makes one go…hummmm. Our nation is not quite living up to this are we? Are there individuals who qualify? Yes. Who comes to your mind? They are the ones to deny any recognition. Our minds flood with individuals seeking recognition. In humility, we consider others before ourselves. Humility equates with humbleness. Matthew states in chapter 5, God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 

Consider others

As we consider others better than ourselves, we are less focused on ourselves. Opening our attention to our surrounding, needs become more apparent. We become conscious how our thoughts and actions relate to those around us. Romans 14: 21 states…It is better not to eat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. 

Attitude

Our attitude is to be same as Jesus Christ. While Jesus was on earth, He never considered Himself equal with God. Instead He became a servant. He chose to serve rather than look for recognition. We are to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Yes, let this sink in a bit. Trust me, I’m reflecting myself. God’s Word is full of instructions for our own good. Those who look for their on success without humility grieves the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

Scripture

Scripture says we are to look to interest of others. It does not say we cannot have interest, only we are not to focus solely on our own interest. If this nugget of information was applied to every marriage, we would have 0% divorce rate. It’s truly not about ourselves. It’s about coming into agreement with God’s Word. Becoming aware of other needs soften our desire for recognition. More we focus, less recognition to the point of becoming like Christ. To God be all the glory!

Be encouraged!