The Satisfaction of Self-Forgetfulness

³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:3-8 ESV

We live in a culture obsessed with self-fulfillment and self-prioritization. We are taught that happiness is acquired by looking inward, prioritizing our personal desires, and building the life we want. Me, me, me. Yet, the “me-centered” life is a lie. It makes us restless, anxious, depressed, and dissatisfied with life.

There is a simple reason for this: self-centeredness is a deadly trap. Trying to be the main character of your own story is a miserable and wicked way to live. When life revolves around your priorities, your desires, your honor, your name, and your plans, you fall directly into what Paul calls "selfish ambition and conceit". Misery and death is birthed from a heart turned inward on itself. 

Philippians 2:1–11 shows us a radically different way. Paul points us to Jesus, who, though He is God, did not consider His exalted position something to be grasped. Instead, He became a servant. He humbled Himself so low that He died on a criminal's cross for our salvation. That’s humility!

The gospel frees us from an evil and miserable life of putting ourselves first. Everything is about God and that is both our greatest good and greatest joy. Christ loves us despite us. Christ paid the penalty for our self-centeredness through His death. He rose again that we might be forgiven and start a new life that’s all about God and others. The result: a thrilling life of joy and satisfaction. 

When the gospel hits our hearts, our  focus and desires shift from self, to God and others. The more you marinate your soul in the gospel, the more you will want God’s glory and the good of others. One of our core values on our staff is remembering that "it’s not about you". True humility doesn't mean putting yourself down. It means forgetting yourself to live for God’s glory and the good of others because Jesus did that for you. 

Are you dissatisfied? You’re trying to be the main character in your story. You are still too important to you. You are still putting yourself first. Remember the humility and death of Jesus. The One who deserves to be first put Himself last. The King of Kings chose to serve us even when we deserved the destruction. The source of lasting joy is self-forgetfulness. In every word and act, aim at the glory of God and the good of others. When you wake up, remind yourself, “Today is about God and others, not me.” Put it on your bathroom mirror or your car dashboard. Keep this truth ever before your mind. 

With joy in Christ,

Chad Kettler

Lewisville Campus Pastor