For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

Our topic today is the continuation of Paul’s introduction of Timothy to the Philippian church. As mentioned earlier, the Philippians had met Timothy very early in their lives as a body of believers. He was with Paul and Silas at the very birth of the church, albeit not one who was recognized as a leader. The leaders (Paul and Silas) were hauled off to prison, but Timothy was left behind, supposedly of no threat to the municipal government.

Paul is reintroducing Timothy to his church because he had matured greatly and become a trusted confidant to the apostle, not simply a warm body occupying space!

2:21   For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Adding others

Let’s get some context to this short statement from Paul. Earlier in the chapter, Paul has admonished the church to show concern for others interests

Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Paul is informing the Philippians of the natural tendency of all to seek their own interests, or their own concerns. We all seek our own interests! But in this verse, he is admonishing the believers to add to their concerns, the concerns of others. This is beyond the self care that we all tend to cherish. Admit it – we like taking care of ourselves! But Paul is telling the believers to reach out to others, invest time in their lives, find out what is of concern in their lives and get involved in those interests.

What might some of the interests be of others? Health issues springs to mind, or financial concerns. But it might start out by finding someone in the body of Christ (or outside of the body of Christ) and asking what type of motorcycle they like, or if they are coffee drinkers, or maybe something else that seems insignificant, but informs them that you are interested in them, and not simply using them to speak of yourself and your interests. After all, we do tend to like taking care of our interests!

Seeking Christ

Paul speaks of “all seeking their own interests” not those of Jesus Christ. Ok Paul – now it seems you have changed subject matter. Is it others or Christ that we are to seek the interests of?

Is there a difference? If we genuinely care for others welfare, are we not also seeking the interests of the Lord Jesus? Yet Paul provides focus for the believer, by redirecting our sights to Christ, and not to others. If we focus properly on Him, (and not get lost in some side interest), our nature will change into one that is genuinely concerned for others.

But beware! If I understand my nature correctly, there is a danger that some who are reading this may come away from this discussion, thinking that if they care for others, that is the same as seeking the interests of Christ. Is that correct? Could some think this way, and actually work themselves into a state of pride? Look at how much I care for others! Wow – Carl you care a whole lot!

I am thinking this may be getting the cart before the horse, as my momma used to say. The order is critical and Paul reminds us of this when he redirects us to the source of true humility, of true deference to others. Jesus is the only true source of humility and by focusing on His sacrifice for us, on His character and teachings, we can be transformed into one who genuinely cares for others.

Seek the interests of Jesus and as you do, you will become one who genuinely cares for the interests of others.

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