One afternoon, a group of teenagers from my church met up to discuss the hard questions of Philippians 2:3-4 to “value others above yourselves” and look to “the interests of the others.”

Some questions were: how often do you look out for others? How would your friends describe you? Why? As I chatted with them, I was amazed by their honesty. The group agreed that it’s easy to talk about where we can do better, but it’s hard to change or even want to change.

Changing our focus from ourselves to others is only possible because of the Holy Spirit living in us. That’s why Paul reminded the Philippian church to keep thinking about what God had done for them. He had made them His family, comforted them with His love and given them His Spirit to help them (PHIL. 2:1-2). How could they—and we—react to those gifts with anything other than thanks?

Yes, God is the reason for us to change, and only He can change us. Because He gives us “the desire and power to do what pleases him” (V.13 NLT), we can think less of ourselves and look out for others instead.

By: Poh Fang Chia

To Pray About . . .

Father, help me to embrace Bible-reading and change my selfish ways. Help me to live for You and love the people I meet today.