Where my family and I live, in a slightly more small-town setting, there aren't many fast-food eateries available to us. So whenever we travel to a larger city, we always make it a point to have a meal at one of the spots that isn't in our town, like Chick-fil-A! Well, just the other day, our family was in a larger city about an hour away from where we live, and when we asked our two kids where they wanted to eat, they, of course, disagreed on their choices. But then something wonderful happened. One of our boys decided to set aside his desire for the sake of the other.
It was one of those proud-parent moments. The gospel was in action, it was beautiful, and it brought joy to my heart. I couldn't help to think this must be what the yet-to-believe experience when they see selflessness displayed by the already-believing, and it dawned on me: nothing says, "I'm a follower of Jesus," like selfless love for all others. This is the reason why Paul encourages all followers of Jesus to "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). Why does Paul extend this encouragement? Because it's exactly how Jesus operated. Yes, the same Jesus who humbly took on the human nature in order to die a selfless death for our sake.
This week, allow your Christianity to speak loudest by simply setting your desires, preferences, interests, and even rights aside for the sake of another. It could be for a family member or a friend, or a neighbor, or a member of your community or your church. Whoever it is, find someone to value above yourself, just like Jesus did for you.