Life's Balance!

Life's Balance!

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 NKJV

It appears we live in a world of competition, where man's barometer of success is measured in basic physical and visible things like possession, position, privilege, power and similar considerations. It would appear that it is the natural way of man to do what would bring him pleasure and gain. No one flows towards what will not bring him some immediate gain, which is why today's extract addresses the very foundations of why I do whatever it is I do.

Ambition and conceit are not things you can measure by human scales, but they pull at the very strings of the human heart. I could pretend to be nice, get involved in social welfare, and spend myself for the sake of other people, but the most important question of all still remains: how's my heart? The danger in today's extract is that because selfish ambition or conceit are not visible, I could pretend for years and 'get away with it' down here; however, in the final analysis, and on the basis of eternity, I would have lost everything.

In the same way, lowliness of heart is also not visible on the outside, but one thing is certain: God who creates the heart and knows all its secrets knows best how to reward faithful, diligent and honest service, when the focus is other people. If I do not see myself the way God sees me, I may have an inferiority complex. If I do not see myself the way God sees me, I may develop an inflated opinion about myself and think that I am the best gift to mankind. Whichever way it is, one thing is key: I must keep my eyes focused on God and how I can impact his world. I must see other people as His own workmanship, people who are being formed in line with His will and purpose.

Am I all about me, myself and my needs or can God interrupt my personal focus and get me to focus on others? Nothing done out of pride or selfish interests will be rewarded by God. Man may applaud and reward, but the greatest blessing I could get is God's approval and backing down here and eternal life with God when this present earthly life ceases. What will it be for you? His time of favour is here.