“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
Every good castle has a lookout… so does every ship… and conquering army… and every wilderness expedition. It turns out that any group of people that seeks to do anything upon foreign field or tempestuous sea sets a lookout for safety. A lookout is an individual prepared to see events that might otherwise go unseen like an iceberg in the North Atlantic, or on a more positive front, a lookout might be the first to see an oasis on a desert expedition.
As Christians, we are told to “look out” for both our own interests and the interests of others. We tend to not have much trouble with the former but struggle with the latter. It is our duty to keep watch for the dangers and opportunities which those around us might face. There are dangers, heartaches, and blessings which would go unaddressed or ungrasped if it were not for good people who have hearts to help others around them.
Be a lookout for others. Keep your head on a swivel and seek the interests of those around you.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Philippians 2:1-11
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision