Christian love is a profound concept that extends far beyond the simple affection we experience in everyday life. It’s a love rooted in God’s unconditional grace and demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice. This journey explores the essence of Christian love, contrasting it with the self-centeredness prevalent in our modern world, and highlighting its transformative power in our lives.
The Age of Self and the Christian Revolution
We live in an era often described as the “age of self,” where individual desires and self-promotion often take precedence over genuine connection and concern for others. The rise of social media, with its constant stream of selfies and curated online personas, exemplifies this self-focused trend. While these platforms can connect us, they can also fuel a sense of self-importance and a distorted view of reality. Ninety-three million selfies are posted daily worldwide, a staggering statistic that reflects our preoccupation with ourselves.
Philippians 2 offers a powerful antidote to this self-centeredness, presenting a “Christian revolution” that calls us to a radically different way of living. This passage outlines the characteristics and motivations for selfless living, urging us to prioritize others over ourselves. This revolutionary concept, though challenging, offers a path to authentic joy and fulfilling relationships.
Marks of Selfless Living: Two Don’ts and One Do
Philippians 2:3 provides the core message: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” This verse outlines two crucial things to avoid and one essential action to embrace.
Don’t Live Selfishly
Selfishness, a familiar human struggle, prioritizes personal gain regardless of its impact on others. It’s the “me first” mentality that can strain relationships and create conflict. The Greek word for selfish ambition, eritheia, originally meant “day laborer” but evolved to describe mercenary behavior and the pursuit of personal advantage at any cost. This pursuit contrasts sharply with the selfless love that Christ exemplified.
Don’t Live Pridefully
Conceit, or an inflated sense of self-importance, is another obstacle to selfless living. Pride, often the root of conceit, can lead to strife and destruction, as Proverbs warns us. It blinds us to our own flaws and prevents us from truly seeing and valuing others. It stands in direct opposition to the humility demonstrated by Christ.
Do Live Humbly
The antidote to selfishness and pride is humility, or “lowliness of mind.” This concept, often viewed negatively in ancient cultures, is elevated to a virtue in the Christian faith. Humility is not about self-deprecation but recognizing our place in God’s creation and valuing others above ourselves. It’s the grease that keeps the gears of relationships running smoothly. Christ, in his incarnation and sacrifice, provides the ultimate example of humility. He emptied himself, taking on the form of a servant, for the sake of humanity.
Motives for Selfless Living
The call to selfless living is grounded in several compelling reasons:
Selfishness Pervades the World
The world around us is often driven by self-interest and competition. Paul, in Philippians, urges believers to stand apart from this worldly mindset, demonstrating unity and love in the face of persecution. We are called to be different, offering a counter-cultural example of selfless living.
Selfishness Opposes Christ within Us
As Christians, we have invited Christ to dwell within us. His love and sacrifice become the foundation for our relationships with others. We are called to extend the same grace and forgiveness that we have received from Christ. This principle of reciprocity shapes our interactions, fostering a spirit of acceptance and understanding.
Selfishness Harms the Christian Family
Selfishness can create divisions and conflict within the church, the body of Christ. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and like-mindedness, urging believers to prioritize the interests of others. When we embrace selflessness, we contribute to the health and well-being of the Christian community.
Conclusion: Embracing the Christian Revolution
The call to selfless living is a challenge in our self-centered world. However, it’s a challenge with profound rewards. By choosing humility over pride, and concern for others over self-interest, we align ourselves with the heart of Christ. This Christian revolution, though counter-cultural, leads to genuine joy, deeper relationships, and a life that reflects the transformative power of God’s love. Let us embrace this call, shifting our focus from self to others and experiencing the abundant life that Christ offers.
