Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 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. (vs1-4)

Do not be concerned with yourself alone, but think upon the needs of others. Jesus Christ laid down His life for us, now we are to live so that others are saved - living for the welfare of the church, and giving ourselves for other people’s good. We are NOT to think, “I will make myself happy by having my own way”, but we are to yield, consider others, and know that God rewards our good deeds! This mind of loving others is the mind of Christ, and its power is grace experienced. Therefore, it is important to refresh ourselves daily: we must believe the good news of His love and experience communion through forgiveness and the blood of Christ, so that we have reason and power to do good unto others. Do not be selfish and think, “I will have my own way, and then be happy”, but know that we must choose God’s way, which is loving people, and happiness will come.

Sometimes, you’ll yield to another person’s decision, or maybe give them a hand in some way. But, you won’t be thinking of yourself alone, but others and their needs. You’ll worship publicly, not only for your good, but on some days, you’ll drag yourself to hear the gospel because someone else is encouraged by you. You will give of your time and money, and most of all, your heart will say, “How can I help this person?” This is imitating Christ. Let happiness and reconciliation with God move you to a sacrificial and loving life. Let His goodness fill you with fellowship, believe the promises that you don’t deserve, and then walk generously and graciously with men (Luke 21:30-31). It is wonderful to see a person so focused on Christ that they imitate Him, trusting Him to care for their needs as they minister unto others!

Secondly, if we honor Christ, then it will be well with us (Phil 2:5-11). Just as God raised Him from the dead, even so, He will raise you up in due time, and He will reward your obedience. We read, “And being found in appearance as a man, He hmbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. THEREFORE God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. Christ, Who is God’s equal, humbled Himself to die for cursed sinners, taking our place in condemnation. He put aside His comfort to make salvation for us, and thereby He honored the Father with obedience. Now, since He served others and God exalted Him, see this is a pattern for you!

You may think, “Who will take care of me, if I’m taking care of others?” And, the answer is quite simple! God is the rewarder of the righteous, He sees your good works, and He is glorified by rewarding the obedient. In the Old Testament, Mordecai saved the king’s life and was eventually honored because the King reveals His own character by who He exalts. Let this truth soothe you. The best way to care for yourself is to think about what others need and do it (John 13:17). God honors us as we do His will, caring for others, and He will exalt us to eternal bliss. Don’t consume yourself with selfish ambitions, and you’ll be richly rewarded by God with His all-filling goodness.