Motives

Do nothing from selfish ambition 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

Motives are hard to pin down some times. Certainly, for other people it can be nearly impossible. They can’t tell what is driving our actions toward them.

If we are honest with ourselves, it can even be hard to know our own motivations. This is partly because we can have multiple reasons that weigh on our decisions and sometimes we have gut level reactions to events or people that are not thought through at all.

Paul urges the Philippians to consider their motives and to live out their gospel commitments by embodying the golden rule. Instead of putting our desires, priorities, and reputations first, we should look for the best interests of others.

Remember he is writing to some people who are preaching to bring harm or to disparage him. His argument is that humble care and service toward one another is how we show the world the power of Christ’s influence. We are called to be people whose humility toward one another and genuine care shows the world that God has come into our lives. Our response to all the blessings of God is to bless one another with service like Jesus.

God,
Help us by your grace and mercy to love each other even through our disagreements. Give us power to put others first not only with our actions, but in our hearts. We ask for a disposition of humility, joy, and love. We know that the more we follow this guidance the more the world will know that you have come into our lives and into our community. Bless us to be a blessing we pray, Amen