For the Important Ones
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)
“I don’t want to be the reason my kids need counseling.”
This was stated by a man who was testifying about his reasons for joining a program for men addicted to porn. He had seen how it was affecting his entire family.
It was impressive that in his addiction, he was willing to consider his children. It reminded me of Philippians 2:3 (at the top).
For most Americans (except those who were raised using the King James Version of the Bible) this verse is more easily understood in the ESV, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
No matter how we say it we can understand that we are to consider others in our decision making and in our plans. Often people think that they are standing alone, that they can do whatever they want and it isn’t anyone else’s business.
It’s true that it may not be everyone else’s business but most of our decisions affect someone, especially family members and co-workers. When we fail to consider them we may be considering ourselves more important. We esteem our desires above the needs of others.
There are things that we can consider and pray about, trying to take everyone affected into account, and still make decisions that will make someone unhappy or uncomfortable. Things like financial decisions, job related or healthcare decisions. Sometimes people feel hurt but not because they weren’t considered.
The problem of decisions regarding sin is clearer. When we choose to sin, knowing that it will have an effect on others, we are choosing our own desires above those whom we should be considering more important than ourselves. These would be things like adultery, pornography use, theft, lying and cheating so we lose a job, and many more.
These are things that, when we choose to avoid them, God says He will bless us. When we choose to do what we want and not what God wants, He promises to curse that behavior (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). This means it is not just others who benefit when we choose to do right, it’s good for us, too.
A Christian man who makes changes because he sees the damage he has done in the family because of his porn addiction (or adultery, gambling problem, drinking problem or ______________ [you fill in the blank]), will be blessed for setting aside his own desires and turning from that sin.
It is a humble act to admit and turn from our sin so that we, and others, will know the blessing of the Lord.
I love what that man said. I would love to hear any more Bible verses that you have that relate to this subject!
I love this scripture. Raised on Kjv here 😏
It speaks volumes of the love we should display, lowliness of mind, thinking of others more then ourselves.
Reminds me of Jesus. Highest of Kings taking the form of a man humbling Himself to the cross for such a one as me.
I hope to demonstrate this characteristic more.
Hi Beth, wow. This is on point. ” Often people think that they are standing alone, that they can do whatever they want and it isn’t anyone else’s business.” I just watched parts 1 and 2 of the R. Kelly docuseries on lifetime. And while that whole ordeal has so many issues to address, the one this article made me think of is how we deem certain, whole groups of people as less important and therefore decide they don’t have the same rights as other groups of people. This article was a great reminder for me to embrace always being considerate ofothers needs, rights and desires. Thank you!
So glad it was helpful, Afi. I, too, see the need for always considering everyone more important. What world changing concepts we find in God’s Word!
Agreed Jessica, There is no more humble am example than our Christ! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Jessie, Relating to this topic the number one verses that comes to mind are Matthew 22:37-40 where Christ tells us that to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, and minds is the first and great commandment. But in verse 29 He says that the second “is like it” – that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. So, from God’s perspective loving our neighbors is as important as loving Him. Wow! Makes me think about how I am loving both.
This is spot on! Hurrah for the brave man! May his legion increase. May many more men and women rise up and realize that for the good of their families, their friends, those around them, and the society at large, behaviors, words, addictions, and choices need to be let go of and changed. Our culture is far, far, far from where we were one hundred years ago when the majority of people were governed by what was best for their fellow man and families. Now, we’re less Bible based and most don’t grow up with any knowledge of God’s Word. Changes made by Christian people are essential, not only for our own families and acquaintances, but for our society at large.
Amen! “Changes made by Christian people are essential, not only for our own families and acquaintances, but for our society at large.” Awake O Church of God!
Inspiring response, Melinda. Thank you!
Every action we take affects someone else. Everything. Maybe not right away but eventually. Your message is a good reminder to all of us that our actions have consequences. May we think — and pray — before we act.
Thank you, Beth.
Agreed, thinking and praying before we act…how often do we act then pray? May it not be so!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
What a great reminder that we are not islands unto ourselves. The world is watching believers closely and we must make every effort to be above reproach. Thank you for this post!
Thank you, Michelle, for reading and commenting.