As followers of Christ we are called to emulate his example of selflessness and servanthood in Phil. 2.3-6: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

However, we are not perfect as Christ is perfect. We will fail in servanthood, and need to live a lifestyle of repentance when we act selfishly.

But we should also note Paul’s admonition in v. 4: “look not only to his own interests….” Paul presumes that to some extent it is appropriate to pay attention to your own needs. What do you need to do to thrive so that you can most healthily serve others? This is something that only you can determine in your setting.

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