stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 2:4)

When my mom became very ill with Parkinson’s, my dad served her selflessly. He not only cooked for her, but when she could no longer feed herself as her tremors increased, he fed her. He did the same for bathing, dressing, and other things he had to do for himself. Serving her was not a burden but a delight! It was an honor, not a liability. Serving her brought him joy, not inconvenience. He found great fulfillment in looking out for her interests and his own.

What does it mean to look out for someone else’s interests? In Philippians 2:4, Paul does not tell the Philippians to ignore their interests. My dad didn’t stop eating because he had to feed my mom. Paul says, “Do not merely look out for your interests, but also for the interests of others.” Paul wasn’t advocating for the abandonment of personal responsibilities. While, at times, serving others may include placing one’s agenda to the side for a moment or two to ensure they are taken good care of, one should never misinterpret Paul to mean neglecting your calling or family. Part of taking care of your own is taking care of others. 

Interestingly, the word “interests” is not in the original language. It literally reads, “Don’t just take care of your own ______, take care of other’s ______.”  You could say, “Don’t just take care of your health. Take care of other’s health,” or any other essential needs such as joy, forgiveness, and even necessities such as food and shelter. Paul is trying to communicate that whatever you value for your life, value that for someone else.  Don’t just value it; strive to ensure they have it. It’s an all-encompassing perspective toward love and service. It’s fulfilling the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:39) and the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). We must love others as we love ourselves and do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  This sums up and fulfills all the Law and the Prophets.

Sometimes when I get home from work, my wife is in the middle of cooking supper.  Sometimes my kids want me to play with them.  I could say, “I’m tired.  You serve me. Please leave me alone. It’s all about me right now.”  I typically help with cooking supper.  Why?  Not only because I want to eat but because I also want my family to eat.  I also enjoy spending time with my wife. I share the work of cooking and the joy of eating.  I typically play with my kids.  Why? Not only because they need companionship but because I also need it.  As tired as I may be, I value the relationship that can only grow from investing time, energy, and effort. When we look out for the interest of others, we humbly build Christian unity. Relationships will deepen when we think of others before ourselves and do unto others as we want them to be done to us.

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Are you only concerned with your interests?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Ask the Lord to show you if your concern for others is genuine.  In other words, do you do it because you must or want to? 

Action for the Hands (Do)

• How can you serve another’s interest today?