Wait, I’m Not First?
Not to spoil the fun or anything, but true joy does not come from being first. Sure, it feels good to win the game or come in first at the big race or work competition. But, does it last more than a couple of days or weeks? Eventually, people move on. The news starts reporting other things and there’s something new for people to discuss. Will winning make you happy for eternity?
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word humble as either having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance. He is greater than I. Those words from John 3:30 speak of Jesus and humility, and this is right where Paul picks up in chapter two of Philippians. Verses one through eleven challenge us as followers of Christ, to live with Christ-like humility. What exactly does that look like?
Philippians 2: 1-11, NIV
Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
A few words and phrases jumped out to me while reading. Like-mindedness and the importance of valuing others. We are called to be like Jesus and instead of being me-focused, we care about the needs and concerns of others. Not neglecting your own needs, but rather living with a servant mindset and attitude. Wanting to be kind and compassionate. Eager to help those around us, especially those in need. Jesus lived this life. He dined with tax collectors, healed those others saw as dirty, traveled to speak truth to those who needed it, and gave his life for us so that we could live with the hope of eternity coming one day soon.
Jesus did all of this and so much more and he did it without grumbling. He was fully human so he felt all of the same emotions we face. Scripture tells us he got angry and frustrated and even flipped tables out of anger. Does anyone else just want to flip some tablets at times, or just me? I get it. The point is that Jesus shared all of our emotions, yet he still sought out those whom he could serve. Those whom he could bless.
Philippians 2:12-18, NIV
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
My Bible has the subtitle for this section as “Do Everything Without Grumbling.” I’m trying to figure out the last time I made it through a day without grumbling about something. We are probably all guilty of this. Most of the time our grumbles aren’t even over big things but rather inconveniences to our schedules. Paul writes in these verses to encourage young believers to live blameless and pure so that others would notice. That the way they live their lives would stand out from the crowd but also serve as a witness to those watching their lives play out.
That’s living as Jesus did. Not everything or every day will be fun or easy. We all know that. I’m reminded and encouraged that living humbly is that of a servant. I want to live with those qualities, I’m sure you do too. We see that true joy doesn’t come from having all of our ducks in a row or the latest trend. It comes from making the most out of our moments and caring about others.
Maybe this looks like letting the car merge over in front of you. Letting the elderly man check out ahead of you even if you’ve been waiting patiently. Smiling and not saying something when someone makes you angry, rather being quick to listen and slow to speak. Maybe it looks like admitting you’re wrong.
Perhaps it’s living with the mindset that you aren’t the only human on earth. No matter how much you may think the world revolves around you, it does not. Sorry to bear the not-so-great news today. Being a Christ follower means that we want to be like Christ. We want to live lives that care about those around us. Lives that are present in moments.
Paul reclaimed joy in his life because he knew the truth behind Jesus. He was willing to risk his own life so that those around him would share the same hope of eternity. His priorities didn’t distract him, they propelled him to share his faith.
True joy radiates from our lives to the lives of others. It is not superficial but comes from life that has been not only lived, but hard-fought because you’ve kept showing up. May we strive to be Christ's followers who love Jesus and love people well. May our joy be contagious as we humble ourselves and live with a servant's mind and heart.
