The World Does Not Revolve Around Me

In Philippians 2:4 it says, “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” (GNT)

Everything in our society conditions us to think of ourselves first. But God’s Word says, “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own” (Philippians 2:4 GNT).

That is such a countercultural verse. I don’t naturally think about other people’s needs. That’s something I have to learn to do. I more naturally think about my needs, desires, goals, and ambitions. As a result, myself and millions of others are disconnected because we're thinking of ourselves and not anyone else’s needs.

I’m learning two very basic truths about life. 

First, the world does not revolve around me. You’re incredibly special in God’s eyes, and I was created for a purpose—but the world does not revolve around me.

The second truth is this: God has promised that when I focus on meeting the needs of others, he will meet my needs. Why? Because he wants me to learn to be unselfish. He wants me to learn to be loving and generous like he is.

When I’m considerate of other people’s needs, I won’t expect them to be perfect. God’s Word says, “Make allowance for each other’s faults” (Colossians 3:13 NLT). I’m not perfect, so why should I demand it of anybody else?

Proverbs 17:9 says, “Love forgets mistakes” (TLB). When I’m trying to make a connection with someone, I don’t have to remain blind to that person’s faults. I can just choose to overlook their imperfections.

Great friends are good forgetters. Instead of dwelling on someone’s mistakes or faults, a good friend considers the other person’s needs.