Daily Devotional
Selfishness Does Not Foster Unity
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4
February 13, 2023
Ponder This
One of the many reasons we experience failure to communicate is self-centeredness. What is the biggest problem in relationships? Selfishness. We want to be the king or queen on the throne of our own lives.
We say we have our rights, but Jesus, the Lord of glory, “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation” (Philippians 2:6-7). He laid down His life for the Church, which is His bride. Self-centeredness is a hindrance to good communication. Most arguments are not over problems—they’re about ego. There are no problems too big to solve, just people too small to solve them. The problem is, we’re full of rotten pride. Rather than attacking the problem, we attack one another because we are selfish by nature, and we’re so full of pride, we want to be right. But if both husband and wife would center on the problem rather than trying to prove who’s right or wrong, then we would have communication.
- When has selfishness gotten in the way of your communication?
- What would it look like to look to the interest of others?
Practice This
Intentionally serve another person in relationship this week.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
