Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
We don’t live in a culture where being “nothing” is encouraged or honored. To be “nothing” in this context means putting someone else first; it means not looking out for number one; it means not pounding your own chest and saying “it’s all about me!”.
Entertainment says “look at me!”. Hollywood says “love me!”. Sports say “I’m the man!”. Politics says “What’s in it for me?”. Even many “Christian celebrities” make it all about them (their popularity, their enrichment, their adoration). No part of our culture says “be nothing for the sake of others” except a very small and rare fraction of Christ-followers who have not only learned this truth, but taken the step of faith to give it a try. It’s not enough to simply nod your head in agreement in Sunday School… you have to actually make the sacrifice in real life.
The rewards are eternal and guaranteed. Empty yourself for sake of another and see if you don’t find riches beyond anything this world can offer.
Think It Over: It’s not an all or nothing thing. Just carve out some part of your life here and there where it’s NOT about YOU. There’s always plenty of time to care of “Self”.