Philippians 2:3–5 – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4)Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)
Let’s be honest—our natural tendency is to think about ourselves first.
We want what we want, when we want it. It starts early. Spend time with a toddler and you’ll see: they’ll scream for a toy, refuse to share, and cry if something doesn’t go their way. It’s not because they’re bad, it’s just part of being human.
We may no longer throw tantrums on the floor, but we still struggle with selfishness. It can show up in subtle ways: constantly steering conversations back to us, prioritizing our comfort over someone else, or measuring others by what they can do for us.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians offers a blueprint:
“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 NIV)
This is more than a moral suggestion. It’s a powerful invitation to reflect the very nature of Jesus in our everyday lives. Jesus had every reason to stay above the fray. But instead, He entered into our messy world—not to take, but TO GIVE. He didn’t hoard His authority or status. He used it to lift others up.
Jesus listened. He noticed. He served. He sacrificed.
That’s what love looks like in action.
Shifting from selfishness to selflessness begins not with guilt, but with surrender. We stop centering our lives on our needs and start asking God to open our eyes to the needs of others.
So, what might this look like today?
It could mean being truly present with someone who’s hurting, rather than rushing past their pain.
It might mean choosing to forgive even when it would feel better to stay resentful.
It could look like encouraging someone else’s success, even when your own progress feels slow.
Sometimes, it simply means listening more than you speak.
And when you notice that old, selfish impulse rising up again, don’t despair. Instead, pause and ask God to help you see people through His eyes. He’s not asking for perfection. He’s inviting you into transformation—one choice at a time.
The journey from selfish to selfless isn’t instant, and it’s never easy. But it’s the path to real joy, deep peace, and a life that reflects the heart of Jesus.
But here’s the good news: with God’s help, selfish people can become selfless. That’s the transforming power of grace. Let His Spirit lead you. Let His Word renew you. Let His love move you toward others. Because in the end, the most Christlike thing we can do is this: love well.
Amen.
