Selflessness

 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.      –   Philippians 2:4

An Arizona air conditioning company’s commercials have “gone viral” on social media. In them, a service person called out for plumbing, air conditioning, or other issues, suddenly finds himself helping a young girl with a violin lesson, finishing a birthday cake, giving the family dog a bath, or even going out to sell Girl Scout cookies. They claim their service technicians are “not your average Joe,” as they extend themselves beyond what they were called out to do. 

God calls every Christ follower to be more than an “average Joe.” Believers are instructed to love their neighbor as themselves, to walk the extra mile, to give a coat to someone who is cold, and to visit widows, orphans, the sick, and those in prison. Each action requires a level of selflessness that is only possible because of the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit within the believer. “Look to the needs of others,” today’s verse says. The preceding verse tells you how: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others more significant than yourselves.” 

Theologian Matthew Henry said, “A selfish spirit is destructive of Christian love. We must be concerned not only for our own credit, and ease, and safety, but for those of others also; and rejoice in the prosperity of others as truly as in our own. We must love our neighbor as ourselves, and make his case our own.” Selflessness requires an awareness of one another. The KJV Bible Commentary says, “Keep an eye for the good of others.” Have a true, loving concern for their needs. Be above average. In extending yourself to meet another’s needs, you will find yourself being blessed.