Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

In all honesty, today’s reading is jam packed with tons to write about.  But, I couldn’t help coming back to this verse over and over again.

It reminded me of just how revolutionary the Gospel is.

At humanity’s best, we teach our kids not act selfishly or in a self-aggrandizing way.  Granted, more and more, out culture seems to be normalizing these types of  actions.

But, as I said, that’s our best.

This verse goes way past our best though.  It cuts to the heart.  It’s going after motive.

Don’t do anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.   If it appears loving but has a selfish motivation, don’t do it.  If it brings about good, but was intended to make people think more of me, don’t do it.

WOW!

In other words, the Gospel doesn’t embrace an “ends justifies the means” philosophy.  Especially on an individual level.

I’ll be real honest – I have LLLLOOOONNNNNGGG way to go on this one.  This one verse is incredibly convicting.

I wonder how much I would attempt or get done if I endeavored to truly live by this truth.

The book of Genesis tells us that we were created to live in the warmth and security of the love of our Creator, God, and Father.

When that relationship was severed, we were left struggling to prove ourselves and our worth to each other – selfish ambition and vain conceit.

The word that is used and translated as “selfish ambition” literally means “rivalry”.  Competition is not to be our motivation.

Jesus never acted out of competitiveness.  He was never trying to outdo anyone else.

Nothing wrong with a healthy athletic competition.  Problems arise when it becomes the primary paradigm that we operate from in our lives.

Also, the word that is used and translated as “vain conceit” is better translated as “vain glory”.

That’s an interesting choice of words.  Psalm 8:5 tells us that God created us and crowned us glory and honor.  Yet here we are, chasing after vain glory.

I don’t know about you, but I seem hardwired not only to try and outdo those around me, but to want to gain recognition and attention in the process as well.

I always say (jokingly) that I am my favorite person.  Unfortunately, more often than not, it’s more truth than humor.  I don’t think I’m alone in that.

I’m going to take the next few minutes and confess and talk to God about my need for His healing in my life.

Maybe you should do the same…