Let’s Not Just Think about Ourselves 

Last weekend we attended a high school basketball game due to our granddaughter’s participation as a cheerleader. Near the end of the contest, as her school’s team cruised to an easy victory, I noticed a curious change in what was taking place on the court. I saw players passing up scoring opportunities. After several such incidents, it suddenly dawned on me what was happening. At least one individual who normally doesn’t get much playing time was now on the court. Instead of seeking to score themselves, his teammates kept unselfishly passing the ball to him in hopes that he might be able to make a rare basket. After several failed attempts, this player finally scored as his teammates on the bench and fans in the stands erupted in applause.

It seems to be increasingly uncommon to see such acts of consideration for others these days, especially if it means a person having to sacrifice something. Whether in sporting contests or other areas of life, many are focused solely on themselves – being the star of the game, what is good for their interests, and what will enhance their own personal statistics or reputation. They seem to give little consideration to what might be better for another person or even for the team itself.

Regarding the way we live our lives and how we relate to our teammates, whether family, friends, fellow believers, or countrymen, the Bible directs us to have more of the kind of spirit that high school team evidenced at the end of their ballgame. “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). As this scripture indicates, there is nothing wrong about looking out for our own interests. We would be foolish not to do so. However, it is easy to get so wrapped up in ourselves and what seems beneficial for us that we aren’t willing to deny ourselves some of those opportunities or benefits in order to help someone else or to do what may be better for our family, church, or nation as a whole. We aren’t willing to give up our chance to score some fame, finances, or fulfillment in order to “look out…for the interests of others.”

Some of you will recall the account in the Bible when the people of Israel made a golden calf to worship as a god while Moses was up on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. As a result, God made quite an offer to Moses. He suggested that He could destroy the whole group of Israelites for their sin and start over with Moses and his descendants. Such a deal wouldn’t have been bad for Moses. He and his family would be taken care of, and he would no longer have to put up with those ungrateful, complaining Israelites.  However, Moses didn’t just think about what was good for him. He considered what was good for the people, as well as what was better for God’s reputation in the eyes of the surrounding nations. Therefore he interceded on behalf of the people, asking God not to destroy them.

Let’s not be guilty of thinking only about ourselves as we face the challenges in our families, churches, and nation. Be willing to give up some opportunities for yourself in order to provide opportunities for others. Be willing to forsake recognition in order for someone else to receive the credit. Encourage and support others to do well, rather than just seeking to excel yourself. Intercede for others rather than just praying about your own concerns. Seek what is best for others and for God’s kingdom.