Why Be Selfless

Pastor Leon Aguilera

¹ If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, ² Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  – Philippians 2:1-2

No surprise that in a Bible book dedicated to joy, an entire chapter is spent on selfishness versus selflessness. Philippians, chapter 2 lays out the issue that keeps us from choosing joy the way God desires. The heart of the problem, the sin that causes all of the misery is selfishness. 

           

Philippians 2:1 Paul’s like, “So, is Jesus workin’ for you? I mean really, is He impacting your life?” 

You say, “Well, what do you mean?”

He begins, “Is there any consolation in Christ?” Jesus used a related word in John 14, describing the Holy Spirit as a “comfort” or a paraclete-encourager. The idea is “to come alongside.” Has the Lord come alongside you? Has He encouraged you and strengthened you as much as you would allow?

           

Here’s the second thing: “Any comfort of love?” Have you been comforted by the love of God in your life? Are you reassured to know that Almighty God cares for you? 

Third, “Any fellowship of the Spirit?” Do you have “fellowship” there. Have you been meeting and participating with some of the Lord’s people? Do you find that some of your most joyful times come when you get with God’s people, talk about the things of the Lord, then roll up your sleeves together in faithful, fulfilling ministry in the kingdom of God? 

           

 And then this, “Any bowels and mercies?”  It can be said, any affection and sympathy? Have you seen that the closer you get to the Lord, the more He gives you a heart for people? I mean, you were so selfish; then you came to Christ; then all of a sudden you’re like, “You know what?  What she thinks or they need really does matter. It’s not just about me.”

           

So Paul’s like, “If these things are true...”

And we’re like, “Yeah, they are true.

Then he delivers the command of selflessness: “Fulfil ye my joy.” If you’ve gone far in Christ, go all the way, man! Complete my joy. Make my joy complete. 

Well, Paul, what would complete your joy?  Here it is: “be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Now what is that if it’s not a death to self? We have unbeatable reasons to be selfless!