"Keep This Mental Attitude in You

We are encouraged to follow Jesus' example.  "Keep this mental attitude in you  that was also in Christ Jesus," urged Paul.  (Philippians 2:5) How can we do this?  One way is by "keeping an eye, not in personal interest upon just your own matters, but also upon those of the others." (Philippians 2:4) Genuine love "does  not look for its own interests." -1 Corinthians 13:5. 

Caring individuals have often shown selfless dedication in the service of others.  Today, however, many people tend to be self-centered. The world had a me-first attitude.  We need  to guard against the spirit of the world because if it succeeds in molding our outlook and attitude, likely we will make our own desires of paramount importance. Then everything we do-how we spend our time, our energy, our resources-will be dominated by self-centered concerns. We there need to put up a hard fight against this influence. 

Even well-intentioned advice can at times dampen our spirit of self-sacrifice.  Realizing where Jesus' self-sacrificing course was leading, the apostle Peter said:  "Be kind to yourself, Lord." (Matthew 16:22) He apparently found it difficult to accept Jesus' willingness to go as far as death in the interest of his Father's sovereignty and the salvation of mankind. So he tried to dissuade Jesus from pursuing such a course. 

Next time: 'Disown Yourself'

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000