21 Nov December 13th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

OTHERS COME BEFORE YOU

Philippians 2:3-4 “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Watching the line form at a pot-luck is an excellent study of human nature.  Unless mom and dad are in firm control, their children, will be the first in line with a plate in hand, anxious to get to their favorite food.  Adults are a bit more sophisticated, but if you were able to read their actual thoughts you would find that many would truly desire someone to tell them to go to the head of the line.

“Be humble!” That is what St. Paul wrote for us for today’s devotional thought.  The dictionary defines humility as “showing that you consider yourself of lesser importance than others.”  In practical terms, a truly humble person will not strive to be first in line at the pot luck.  They will actively encourage others to go in line ahead of them.

Related to humility, says St. Paul, is that you do not look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan who exemplified the point St. Paul makes in today’s verses.  He was far more concerned about the injured Jew than he was for himself in regard to his own personal safety.  He quickly was consumed with caring for the injured man giving no thought to why he was traveling, where he was going, the schedule he had set for himself, and the potential the men who had beaten the Jewish man might return to do the same to him.

Jesus thought not equality with God to be important.  He humbled Himself by taking on a human form, accepting the abuse, mistreatment, and crucifixion He endured for the good of all humanity.  (You can read about this in the next verses of Philippians chapter 2.)  Jesus sacrificed His life for you so you can receive the gift of eternal life.

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Philippians 2:4)

Prayer:  Lord, I confess that I often follow the prompting of my sinful Old Adam and think more of myself and my needs that I do of those of others.  Forgive me.  Grant me through Your Spirit the gift of faith whereby I live my life in serving others motivated by the love You have so generously given me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Lord, whose love through humble service

Bore the weight of human need, Who upon the cross, forsaken,

Offered mercy’s perfect deed,

We, Your servants, bring the worship Not of voice alone, but heart,

Consecrating to Your purpose Ev’ry gift that you impart.

Still Your children wander homeless; Still the hungry cry for bread;

Still the captives long for freedom; Still in grief we mourn our dead.

As, O Lord, Your deep compassion

Healed the sick and freed the soul,

Use the love Your Spirit kindles Still to save and make us whole.

As we worship, grant us vision, Till Your love’s revealing light

In its height and depth and greatness,

Dawns upon our  quickened sight.

Making known the needs and burdens

Your compassion bids us bear,

Stirring us to tireless striving, Your abundant life to share.

Called by worship to Your service, Forth in Your dear name we go,

To the child, the youth, the aged, Love in living deeds to show;

Hope and health, goodwill and comfort,

Counsel, aid, and peace we give,

That Your servants, Lord, in freedom

May Your mercy know and live.

(LSB 848)