Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

Many of our fights are over trivial selfishness for e.g. over cool drinks, what to order at a restaurant, how to spend our off days and holidays etc. All of this stems out from our selfishness.

Truthfully, selfishness causes most of our arguments. Oh, we say we’re standing on principle or even morality, but when we peel back the layers, there it is – pure, unadulterated selfishness. Perhaps this is why the apostle Paul challenged the Philippian Christians to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit”. (Philippians 2:3)

Paul wasn’t telling them to completely disregard their preferences or interests. He was encouraging them to value others above themselves. This especially applies to those who you do life with. In a marriage, if both partners honour this principle, it can change the tone of the relationship (and preempt a lot of arguments).

ONE STEP CLOSER
Think back on some of your most recent arguments. Were they caused by selfishness? Read Philippians 2:1-8. How different might your relationship be if you applied this passage?

Resolve today to imitate Christ, looking for ways to put each other’s interests before your own.