Ah, new month, new devotion. As Christians, we use this word to describe our one-on-one time with God, usually spent in prayer, dancing, reading our Bibles or studying scriptures and prompts shared by others—any way we can grow in our faith and exercise our devotion to Him. No, that’s not our Bible study word of the month, but one of its synonyms is: Regard.
Devotion is to have constant regard for, and dedication to, someone. To regard is to consider or think of someone with great awe or devotion. And while their meanings do differ in some ways, both words are defined by their relationship to something or someone else. Both words are selfless, and rooted in humility, just as He has called us to be.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others. — Philippians 2:3-4
I think maybe the biggest reflection of our brokenness is how we don’t instinctively think of others. We regard ourselves and our own interests first and foremost, often getting lost in a me-centered world that revolves around what we want or think we need. Even when we talk a selfless talk, there always seems to be a hint of our own self-satisfaction peeking through our heart and motives. But, according to both Matthew 23:12 and Luke 14:11, those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
We are called to put ourselves last (Philippians 2:3), to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), and to value the interests of others above our own (Philippians 2:4), just as Jesus did, but that’s not to say we should disregard ourselves. In our verse of the month, Paul encourages a mindset that gives up self-indulgence and instead acts collectively with regard to the advancement of others. Not to carry an attitude of inferiority. Mark 12:31 says to love our neighbors as ourselves, not love our neighbors, not ourselves. By turning this passage into a cross of self-deprecation, we’re once again making it about ourselves—which is the opposite of Paul’s intent.
Let’s remember the heart of this month’s word and devotion. This scripture does not revolve around you. It’s important to remember that Paul is addressing a whole nation here: “but to each of you,” look to the interests of others. Humility is possible by the grace of God, and through His people collectively acting with regard to each other just as He constantly shows His devotion to us. Paul is encouraging us to join a selfless community that looks out for each other, to practice selflessly serving the needs of those around us without regard to our own self-serving desires, but rather devote ourselves to furthering the good of everyone, loving others the way we have been and continue to be loved by Jesus.
To put it simply, putting yourself down is not lifting others up. Likewise, lifting yourself up does not look after the interests of others. There is a balance rooted in selflessness, following Jesus’ example in regard to others. Seems tricky, right? You’re absolutely right. It’s a balance we’re not capable of finding on our own. We can’t love those around us unconditionally if we ourselves haven’t received unconditional love, and the only one who loves us perfectly is Jesus Christ. If our worth and value are planted in anything other than Him, we will continue to wrestle with selfishness, regarding others the way the world does, not the way He has shown and taught us. Instead, let’s listen for the Holy Spirit, and learn to respond with regard for humble generosity, placing value on the interests of others as we grow and flourish in Him together.