Tues. April 9th. 2024.
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil. 2:3-4.
Selflessness is such an important trait such that it is the true reflection of Christ. A selfless person is a person who is more concerned about the happiness and well-being of another than about his or her own convenience or comfort. A selfless person is one who is willing to serve another when it is neither sought for nor appreciated, or one who is willing to serve even those whom he or she dislikes. This may sound like perfectionism or perhaps too tall an order, trust me, this is Christianity.
Unfortunately, the culture of selfishness and avarice around us has encroached into Christianity such that we would do anything to defend and uphold our selfishness. Jesus had much to say about selflessness during His earthly ministry. In the Sermon on the Mount, He goes beyond what some may think of as selflessness—helping a friend, ministering to a spouse, caring for an ill child, etc. Jesus extends selflessness far beyond normal expectations—we are to love our enemies, even, and pray for our persecutors. Matt. 5:44. Jesus taught that it’s easy to love a friend or a spouse—even unbelievers do that. Matt. 5:47. The Christian is expected to love the unlovable, because this is how we become more like God, who gives blessings to everyone Matt. 5:45.
It’s a difficult thing to lay aside hurt feelings and wounded hearts, but that’s part of being selfless. As in so many areas, Jesus is the ultimate example of selflessness. In coming into this world, “he made himself nothing” and took upon Himself the very nature of a servant. Now, as followers of Christ, we are to have the same mindset. Jesus came not for His own benefit but for ours. He came to minister to us and die for us. Humanly speaking, Jesus gave up His will for God’s will. This is another salient point: selflessness involves more than putting other people first; it is putting God first.
FURTHER READING:
“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: ” James. 2:8.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:” Phil. 2:5-6.
DECLARATION:
Dear Abba Father, thank You for another day You have made I rejoice and I’m glad in it. Lord, I ask that You grant me the grace of selflessness and the wisdom to walk worthy of Your purpose for my life. Break the yoke of selfishness and grant me access to Your divine nature in all regards. I declare that, the works of the devil are destroyed over me in the name of Jesus, amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Chron. 31:1-21.
2 Chron. 32:1-33.
2 Chron. 33:1-25.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“With Faith, Discipline And Selfless Devotion To Duty, There Is Nothing Worthwhile That You Cannot Achieve.”
The Fortress Int’l Church, 2 Floor 10 Coker Road, Opposite Chicken Republic Ilupeju Lagos, Nigeria.
email: info@thefortresschurch.com.
