Learning That The World Does Not Revolve Around Me

In review of Philippians 2:4 it says, “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.”

Bottom Line:

Care about others as much as you care about yourselves

What this means to me:

I am to care about others as much as I care about myself. Take an interest in them and what they are doing.

One of the 7 habits of highly effective people says to, “Seek first to understand before seeking to be understood.” The verse talks about this as well: “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own” (Philippians 2:4 TEV).

This is such a counterculture verse, as everything in our culture conditions us to think first of ourselves. We don’t think about other people naturally. That’s something we have to learn to do. We naturally think about our needs, our desires, our goals, and our ambitions. As a result we have lots of people disconnected because they’re only thinking of themselves and not anyone else’s needs.

TV commercials are filled with the same by-line: “You deserve it.” “Buy this shampoo! You deserve it.” “Buy this expensive car, because you deserve it!” With this exposure, we are taught that we are the supreme value in life.

There are two very basic truths about life.

First, contrary to popular belief, the world does not revolve around me. I am very special in God’s eyes, and was were created for a purpose, but the world does not revolve around me.

The second truth is this: God has promised that when I focus on meeting the needs of others, he will meet my needs. Why? Because he wants me to learn to be unselfish. He wants me to learn to be loving and generous like him. Part of being considerate of others needs is making allowances for their faults and not expecting them to be perfect (Colossians 3:13). I’m not perfect, so why should I demand it of anybody else?

Proverbs 17:9 says, “Love forgets mistakes” (TLB). When I’m trying to make a connection with someone, I don’t have to be blind to that person’s faults. I just choose to overlook them. Great friends are good forgetters. They don’t rub it in; they rub it out! They are more concerned with the other person’s needs.

In summary, I am to care about others as much as I care about myself. Take an interest in them and what they are doing. Father, it’s tough to refocus myself and to look beyond my own desires. I ask this morning to help change my heart so that I help others knowing that when I do, you will make sure I’m taken care of. I should look for ways to serve others today.