December 8 Advent Devotional
“Do nothing out of self ambition or vein conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul instructs the people of Philippi to value others above yourselves. He also says to do nothing out of self ambition. Too many times, we merge from these teachings to serve ourselves rather than the needs of others. We are naturally selfish people and want to fill our own needs before we can fill the needs of others. Paul asks us to do the opposite. Jesus came to earth in human form to serve us rather than his own needs. In doing so, he was serving the needs of his father in heaven. Some 21st century Christians were struggling to survive in the Greek region of Macedonia. The Bible says that they were in deep poverty and deep trouble (see 2 Corinthians 8:2). What did they do in their time of need? Did they say, “God, why do we have so much trouble coming against us?” Not at all. The Scripture records that in the midst of their great trouble, they stayed full of joy and they gave generously to others. They knew if they would help to meet other people’s needs, God would meet theirs. In your times of difficulty, do just what they did. Number one, stay full of joy. Number two,
go out and sow a seed. Help someone else, and you will be helped.
Heavenly Father, in this Advent season and difficult time in our world, help us to value others above ourselves. Give us the strength to serve others rather than ourselves and live by the words that “it is truly better to give rather than receive.” Grant us the power and wisdom to sow seeds. Amen
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