Ladies Corner
More Needful For You
As human beings it is easy to fall into a “me first” mentality – i.e. we look out for ourselves first. There are so many things to do and take care of in terms of our physical needs in this world that there seldom remains time to think about anything else. Our own comfort and interests typically take precedence over anything that could be done for others. When someone asks a favor of us, our initial reaction might be to grumble or complain and focus on how inconvenient it might be. While it may be a “natural” tendency to think of only ourselves, it is clear from the scriptures that we as Christians are to put the needs of our brethren first.
In Philippians 1, Paul addresses the brethren at Philippi and makes it clear that his physical condition is such that death would be an escape from the pain and persecution of the flesh. However, he writes that if it is God’s will, he will continue on so that he can be of more use to the church at Philippi:
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Philippians 1:21-24)
Even if it means a continuance of his own physical pain, Paul makes it clear that his main priority is the well-being of his brethren. We have the tendency to take the “easy” way, or whatever direction involves the least amount of discomfort for ourselves. Paul, however, loved his brethren so much that he was willing to endure his own pain just so that he could be useful to others. He continues on in chapter 2 and instructs the Philippians to take on this selfless attitude, and to strive for unity and fellowship by humbly esteeming others better than themselves: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4).
The best possible example we could ever be given of selflessness is that of Christ Jesus, as Paul goes on to describe in verses 5-11, and how Christ came to this earth to glorify not Himself but God. Jesus, even though He “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God” (Phil. 2:6), put on the form of a man in order to fulfill God’s plan of salvation, although he had every right to feel like such actions were “beneath” Him. Additionally, the life He came to on this earth was one of hardship, servitude, and ultimately a painful death. Christ did not choose the “easy” way out for His own well-being, but He selflessly gave Himself up for us.
Not only are we instructed to look out for the interests or needs of others, but we are told to do it without complaint: “Do all things without complaining and disputing” (Phil 2:14). If Christ Jesus, who of all people would have the most “right” to complain about persecutions or discomforts of this life, did all that was required of Him without grumbling or complaining, then we need to strive to do the same. Any pain, discomfort, or inconvenience that we experience in life pales in comparison to what Christ endured. Our natural tendency when asked to do something we do not “want” to do is to grumble and complain – we may even go out of our way to make excuses about why we cannot help, such as “I’m too busy” and the like. But if we are truly putting the needs of our brethren before our own, we should be ready and willing to help them in any way that we can.
What sort of things, then, are we to be doing for our brethren when we prioritize their needs? In the book of Romans we are given instructions about what this aspect of brotherly love looks like in action:
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:10-15)
We are to be diligent – working hard even if it means some physical discomfort for ourselves. We are to be patient – helping with something even if we have done the same thing repeatedly in the past. We are to be hospitable – providing above and beyond without expecting anything in return. Seeking out the needs of others is not something that we can do by accident. We must be actively seeking opportunities to help our brethren, and ready to jump at the chance if they express a need. Whether it is taking food to a family in a time of need, or driving someone to a doctor’s appointment, prioritizing the needs of our brethren is going to require our time and energy. Doing things for others, (while simultaneously providing for the needs of our own families), can even be physically exhausting at times. However, it is spiritually rewarding when brothers and sisters in Christ are constantly seeking out ways to help each other.
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)
