Today we are continuing to look at my list of “Do and Do Not” in the Book of Philippians 2:4, trying to find out how God expects us to conduct ourselves during this life on earth.

I believe that the Book of Philippians is a God inspired guideline for our walk and being in this world. And just as a reminder, the Book of Philippians is not the only book in the Bible to give advice for life. We have to take the whole of Scripture into consideration and it’s important to keep all of it in context.

Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Here we have one “Do Not” and one “Do.”

Following I am quoting from the commentator William MacDonald, and his ‘Believer’s Bible Commentary’, who explains verse 4 in a short meaningful description:

The cure of troubles among the people of God is to be more concerned with the interests of others than with the things of our own lives. In a very real way the word others forms the key of this chapter. It is as we give our lives in devoted service for others that we rise above the selfish strife of men.

Okay, looking out for the interests of others is not something the human being is programmed for by society. We feel mostly that our interests are number one on our list of priorities. Jesus on the other hand walked this earth to serve others. I don’t think that we are meant to spend 100% of our time serving others. Jesus took time out to pray and be by Himself with His Father which gave Him strength to continue as a man here on earth.

Now what would be examples of putting others’ interests above our own in our everyday life?

• When I am planning a shopping trip, I could phone an elderly friend and offer to shop for them as well.
• There is only one orange left on the shelf and the same time I am reaching for it someone else is. Do I put that person’s interest in the orange above mine?
• The same with a parking lot. How often do we see people racing for the same spot and then getting angry if they don’t get it?
• Holding the door open for the person behind you.
• Offering your seat in the bus to another person.
• Giving up the mentality of “I was here first!”

It looks like it boils down to loving your neighbour, forgiving others for offences toward us and not holding grudges.

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What do you think?
Please feel free to leave me a comment below; I would like to hear from you.

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I hope this post is an encouragement to you in your walk with the Lord.

Philippians 1:9-11 (NKJV)
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

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To God be the Glory!

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My next post will still continue in Philippians Chapter Two.