"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Philippians 2:3-4
The Wrong Goals? Most of us started the MD5 process with the goal to become a better “Christian” man. To read the bible more, to sin less, or make better decisions, etc. Although nothing is wrong with these goals, they are not sustainable for one reason, selfishness. The Die to Live Paradox Tierce Green, in the 33 The Series Vol.5, Session 2 - Die to Live, states “The enemy of servant leadership is SELF.” This means that we can’t be trusted because our sin nature will always try to protect or promote ourselves. So, we follow the example of Jesus, and we “die to live.” A Simple Diagnostic Process How can we know if one of these “good things” that we are pursuing is selfless or selfish?
Have we tested it against God’s revealed will in the Bible? If it’s not cut & dry then have we spent time talking with God about it?
Who will it serve more? You or God and others?
If your motivations are selfish vs. selfLESS these questions should lead you to your answer. Die to yourself and live for God and others. Paul challenges the Philippian Church to imitate Christ by becoming like Him in humility and valuing others more than themselves. So, this is my challenge to us today. Warning We can’t “DO” this on our own. So, we must “walk” prayerfully with Jesus every moment of the day, asking for His will to be done and not ours. Also, be sure you are continually being discipled by another man seeking Jesus selflessly. In other words, live a fully surrendered life to Jesus. The Right Goal If our goal is to surrender to Jesus so that He can transform our heart and make us better. Then our motivation to pray more, read our bibles more, help others more, etc. will last. Because He is providing the motivation and the strength, not us!
Ryan Johnson MD5 Facilitator