A Radical Turnaround

Philippians 2:3-6 In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honour others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too. In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit.

So when you compare your needs and wants with the needs and wants of the people around you, when you weigh one against the other, which one of those two comes out on top?

To be honest with you, for the first thirty-six years or so of my life, I was a narcissist. That’s someone who’s obsessed with themselves – their career, their reputation, their comfort, and particularly in how they look.

Narcissism, sadly, is almost the norm out there these days. It’s probably because the wealthier we get, the more self-sufficient we become. Back when people relied on the community around them for sheer survival, you couldn’t afford to be self-obsessed. You needed to help others, so that they’d help you.

But these days, sure you can. Get into trouble … well, that’s what money’s for. But narcissism is an ugly thing. And honestly, you can’t believe in Jesus and be a narcissist at the same time. The two just don’t go together.

Question: When you hear that about Jesus, how He humbled Himself, to the point of death on a cross for the likes of thee and me, and then you compare the way you live your life, the way you see yourself and your needs, compared to the needs of others … what do you see?

Be like Jesus.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.

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A Radical Turnaround

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