👉🏼 (Reading: Philippians 1:21-26)

📜 ""I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.""
Philippians 1:23-24 (NLT)

📋 Because of our sinful nature, we tend to think mostly of our own interests. But we Christians are urged not to be selfish: "Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too" (Philippians 2:4). The Apostle Paul is an excellent example to emulate in living according to this scriptural admonition.

In today's focus text, he says: "I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ. which would be far better for me, But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live." Torn between what will personally benefit him greatly and what will be beneficial to others, he chose to prioritise others' interest.

It was clearly far better for him to die and go to be with Christ, where he would be free from all the hardships, persecutions and imprisonments he constantly faced, but he intentionally opted for living in order that he might be a great blessing to the believers in Philippi. He told them: "Knowing this, I am convinced that 1 will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith" (v.25).

Do you look out only for your own interests?
Learn to take an interest in the welfare of others too.

🔑 Key Lesson: It pleases God when we demonstrate concern for the interests of others.

🛐 Meditation and Prayer: Lord, enable me to look out for the interests of others.

📚 Further Reading: Philippians 2:1-4.

◼️ The Bible in One Year: Mark 10-11.