But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. (Philippians 2:17-18)
I wish I always considered others first, but when I looked under the hood there’s still a whole lot of me going on. God has been working for a while now to pry my heartstrings free from putting my interests first. It’s taken very hard circumstances to realize life is not all about things working out nicely for me. God’s is showing me that His nearness is my good.[1] My job is to consider the needs of others and to love sacrificially.[2]
It’s a steamy summer mid-August morning. My glasses fog up as I walk out to our screened porch. Surprisingly, dried leaves already scatter the barnyard covering the scorched remains of winter rye. A hummingbird whizzes in for a drink and speeds away. As I write, a fan refreshes my face and blows across my hairless head.
All week the truths of Philippians two have rolled over and over in my heart. This chapter contradicts prevailing entitlement sentiments which promise fulfilment and happiness from seeking what’s best for us. It calls us to a trusting, selfless attitude which frees us up to truly love others as Christ has loved us. I see four examples of this self-less love in the chapter.
Jesus demonstrated this attitude first for all of us to follow. Though He existed as God, He emptied Himself, becoming void, serving us by dying to set us free.[3]
For a further look at Christ’s sacrifice for us, see I’m for Single Payer
Paul writes of his own desire to follow this sacrificial attitude of Christ. He says that even if his own life was being poured out as a drink offering for the Philippians, it would give him great joy.[4]
Timothy is genuinely concerned for the welfare of the Philippians, living out Christ’s desire to seek the interest of others.[5]
Epaphroditus didn’t want the Philippians worried about his illness. He poured himself out to the point of death in service to them.[6]
I fry bacon and make BT toast (we’re out of lettuce) using a plumb ripe tomato from our friend’s garden. I drink milk out of a mug our daughter gave us, engraved with the word ‘Joy’.
I have a long way to go to follow in the steps of these four. But I’m seeing there’s freedom in selfless living. If I truly trust God has my best interest in mind, I’m less and less concerned about me and how life is working out.
I taste a savory bite of toast, slathered in mayonnaise. I feel very in the moment. I sense Christ’s nearness. He indwells me by His Holy Spirit. He’s closer than breathe. As I trust and abide, He’s teaching me the joy of loving others the way He’s loved me.[7]
When the world says ‘me’, ‘me’. The Lord tells us to trust Him. He’s taking care of us. We’re free to enJoy His nearness and to love others as He’s loved us.
Lord, please teach me how to begin each day trusting you have my best interest in mind, no matter what troubles I might face. Remind me of your complete, constant love. As I yield to you, show me how to love others. There’s great freedom and Joy in trusting and loving like You.
For more on Joy in the midst of what life brings our way see The Lord is Our Portion, Our Exceeding Joy, Even When Life Crumbles.
[1] Psalm 73:28
[2] John 13:34-35
[3] Philippians 2:5-8
[4] Philippians 2:17-18
[5] Philippians 2:19-21
[6] Philippians 2:25-30
[7] John 15:9-12
Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures. Subscribe below to get email notifications of new posts. We post once a week. Thank you for reading.
Novels by the Author: