Devotion 9/25, Putting others before ourselves

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.
Philippians 2:3-4

Humility and putting others first, is utterly foreign to the human mind, and we simply cannot do it without the power of the Holy Spirit that we possess as born again believers in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:13) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Selfish ambition and vain conceit are two of the greatest enemies of unity among God’s people.
Promoting one’s self-interest can be devastating to Christ’s people and His church. Paul saw a alot of this in the early churches and addresses it frequently.
Christ was the perfect example of how we are to conduct ourselves. He was focused on helping others, by loving them and praying for them. He showed us we are to pray even for our enemies. Remember the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do”!
It is as we give ourselves in devoted service for others that we rise above the selfishness and strife that is so common to mankind. We become more of the kind of person Christ died for us to be, reflecting more and more of His image to those that God puts in our path. To serve as He served, with humilty, grace and love, should be the lifestyle we choose in honoring our Lord for His kingdom. Seek to humbly serve others out of respect, honor, love and praise for our God.
His kingdom “is” coming, seek to be a humble servant to others.

Lord, help me to put others first as You did when You walked this earth and ultimately laid down Your life for me. Thank You for shedding Your precious, innocent blood for the forgiveness of my sins. I give You all praise, honor, and glory this day, my Redeemer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Lord, I seek to be your humble servant, to serve others over my own selfish wants. You laid the path for me to follow. Strengthen me, thru Christ, to do your will today and all of my tomorrows. Thank you Lord for your love, grace and mercies.