with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourself

January 24, 2008

Consider Christ

By Robert H. Schuller

"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." - Philippians 2:3-4 (NASB)

Are you hungry? Thirsty? Nothing satisfies? It is your instinctive craving for God! I am positive I have the answer for you. Give me a chance to prove it.

There are three philosophies of life: (1) "What's mine is mine; I'm going to keep it." This is selfishness. It will make you miserable. (2) "What's yours is mine; I'm going to get it." This is greed. It will drain you of all joy. (3) "What's mine is yours too; I'm going to share it." This is Christianity! It makes you feel good when you're good to those around you, and it makes you feel God-like when you are generous to those who don't expect it and don't deserve it. You experience more of God in your life when you give yourself away to Him and humanity in loving service.

Want evidence? Consider Christ. What a full life He lived. Full of faith, joy, purpose, peace and power. Why? Eternity was His. That's one reason. And He lived to love and serve. He was always giving Himself away. While He was dying on the cross someone chided, "He saved others... but He cannot save himself." Quite true. The only way to fill your life is to pour it out for others.


Involvement is the only indulgence that truly satisfies.

Relationships, Romans 12:9-21

Romans 12:9-21 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
[NIV at IBS] [International Bible Society] [NIV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

Love
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"[b]says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[c] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.