Thinking of Others Ahead of Ourselves

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philippians 2:3-4

Is this really possible? Of course it is. God would not have given it to us in Scripture if it were impossible to obey. In addition, there's no better example we can find than Christ Himself. As an innocent man, Jesus suffered excruciating pain while on the cross. It was in this act that all of our sin was transfered to Christ and God's wrath was violently poured out upon Himself! This is sobering to say the least.

But what also is incredible to see, that in this moment, every one of us believes He would be totally justified to think about His own needs first. Instead, He puts Himself second.

We see this as He spoke seven times while nailed to the cross.

His first three words are about OTHERS:

1. Forgive them. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

2. Paradise. "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).

3. Son and Mother. "When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother!' (John 19:26-27).

His last four words are about HIMSELF:

4. Drink. "I thirst" (John 19:28).

5. Abandoned. "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).

6. Accomplished. "It is finished" (John 19:30).

7. Death. "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" (Luke 23:46).

Jesus truly humbled himself to the point of death. But even while dying, he counted us more significant than Himself. He looked to our interests before His own.

May we follow His example this week.