Topic: Putting Others First
Text: Philippians 2:2-7
Key Verse: Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. – Philippians 2:7
We seek the Mind of Christ because Jesus Christ is the greatest man that ever lived. He did not seek equality with God neither superiority over man, but he willingly took up the nature of a servant to serve God and man.
The life of Jesus was about service, his teachings were on how a man can live well with others, his miracles were mostly inspired by compassion for others and his ultimate sacrifice on the Cross was to reconcile man with God and give all flesh the hope of eternal life.
The mind of Christ is about Putting Others First. It is a life that is willing to be poured out for the good of others, whether in a relationship, work, or ministry.
Don’t do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
The mind of Christ is not about selfish ambition, or doing good to take advantage of others or seek credit. It is a mind that is laid down first at the feet of the father, then poured out for others as the Holy Spirit directs.
So then, my friends, because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer. – Romans 12:1
After this, I heard the Lord ask, “Is there anyone I can send? Will someone go for us?” “I’ll go,” I answered. “Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8
This mindset is not imposed on anyone, it is not bequeathed to children either, it is a choice you make willingly by yourself to live on a mission, to live for others, God and man.
When life becomes a mission there is no price too high to pay. The missionaries who brought the gospel to Africa were not low lives who could not earn a living in their home country, they were people who valued the gospel(good news) they had received and wanted others to have the opportunity to at least hear about it and make their choice.
People like Mary Slessor paid the ultimate price only after they had served their generation. It all comes down to service, putting others first.
For David served God’s purposes in his own time, and when he died, was buried with his ancestors, and his body rotted in the grave. – Acts 13:36
The Winning Mindset is a missional one. Its choices and values are service driven both in business and ministry. Families, where parents give to their children just as a retirement plan or to ensure a gratuity for themselves in old age never last.
How do you live? What drives you? What are you on a mission to do? Why do you seek to win in life?
There is always more than you can be or you can have, so what moves you forward? Jesus wants to be your motivation, will you let him?
And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation. – Philippians 2:5 (TPT)
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