“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.” — Philippians 2:3-4
The Unselfish Genius
Devin Booker is younger and taller than Chris Paul, and Devin scores the most points per game for the Phoenix Suns. However, Chris does one thing better than any other current player. He leads by passing the ball to his teammates in expert fashion and setting them up for good looks at the basket. An assist is the pass made to a teammate immediately before they score. Recently, Chris Paul passed Oscar Robertson for sixth-most assists in NBA history.
If we assist a family member, a coworker, a neighbor or a stranger, then we show uncommon unselfishness, but assist leaders sometimes achieve unusual success by making others better. Though it’s natural to want to hog the ball, the Bible says a lot about sharing. The Apostle Paul spoke to all the churches about encouraging one another: “[R]ather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself'” (Galatians 5:13-14).
When Jesus’ disciples fought for attention, He corrected them. “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant … just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-26, 28).
Though unselfishness is unnatural, we please God when we forget about ourselves and seek the good of others for God’s glory. As the Apostle said, “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…” (Philippians 2:3-5).
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Ga.
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