Philippians Chapter Two - Part Two

(continued from last week)

Self-Absorption

The second relational deal breaker is self absorption.

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests.”

Self absorption is excessive concern for self. At its root is a sense of entitlement that says, “My needs are more urgent and important than the needs of others.” The self absorbed person never thinks he is selfish – he simply believes that the things that he is concerned with are the most important things of all.

You know you are self absorbed when your conversations always center on you and the things that concern you.

You know you are self absorbed if you read this article and begin thinking about all the people you know who are self absorbed, rather than wondering if you may have a tendency to be self absorbed yourself.

Self Exaltation

The third relational deal breaker is self exaltation.

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ.”

Self exaltation was Lucifer’s sin.

“I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will make myself like the Most High.’”

Self exaltation was Diotrephes sin.

“I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us.”

Self exaltation is everyone’s sin.

“You were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air.”

Conclusion

What is the antidote to these vexing human traits? The mind of Christ.

The original language of this verse brings out the intended meaning: you have the mind of Christ because Christ in you. When you act according to these human traits, you are acting against the new creation nature that is in you. You can have the attitude of Christ because you HAVE the attitude of Christ! This is not an exhortation to strive to achieve but a statement of faith to be believed and appropriated. God has made a provision for all three of these human tendencies.

• God’s provision for self ambition: “He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.”
• God’s provision for self absorption: “He emptied Himself and took the form of a slave.”
• God’s provision for self exaltation: “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death upon a cross.”

The American preacher Samuel Logan Brengle turned down an excellent pastorate to join William Booth and his salvation army. Booth accepted his services reluctantly, saying, “You have been your own boss too long.” To instill humility in Brengle, Booth gave him the job of cleaning the boots of the other officers. Brengle bristled at the task. “Have I crossed the ocean in order to black boots?” Just then, he saw a vision of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. “Lord,” he said, “you washed their feet, I will black their boots.” He went on to be the first American born Salvation Army commissioner.

Brengle learned the lesson of Philippians chapter two: It is amazing what people can accomplish when no one cares who gets the credit.