TBC Notes - Other Directed | thebereancall.org

McMahon, T.A.

Other Directed

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians:2:3-4).

Being “other directed” may be our biggest struggle in life. To say that it doesn’t come naturally should be obvious to everyone. Even for those whose life has been transformed in Christ, who are now new creatures (2 Corinthians:5:17), the battle continues regarding putting others ahead of ourselves. The Apostle Paul tells us as much in his letter to the Philippians: “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s” (2:21). The good news is it’s not a condition that’s impossible to overcome. If it were, the verses quoted above (Philippians:2:3-4) would be an exercise in futility. Instead, it’s something we need to work at—first of all to please God, and then to bless others.

How might such a practice bear fruit in our lives and in our relationship with spouses, children, brothers and sisters in Christ, relatives, co-workers, etc.? Think about it. It has to be at the top of the list regarding the witness of our being followers of Jesus.

T. A. McMahon
Executive Director