AUGUST 24

UNSELFISH-MINDED

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” (Phil. 2:4)

Thoughts that are for others, and not revolving around self. Again we find that Wuest expressed it clearly, “Not consulting each one his own interests only, but also each one the interest of others.”

Selfishness is one of the prime attributes of this generation. Thus marriages are strained to the breaking point, because each one seeks only for themselves, to have their way, to please themselves, to protect their own feelings. The MIND OF CHRIST is not to get, but to give; not to be ministered unto, but to freely and joyfully minister to others. What heartbreak and sorrow is borne by those who find themselves in a relationship that has become “a one way street,” while the selfish one grasps for all the attention, and insists that their desires alone be satisfied. But when each seeks to please the other, a balance is found, and both are richly blessed.

Paul manifested this unselfish-mindedness when he wrote, “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” (2 Cor. 12:15). He was not seeking for returns, he was simply willing to give, to spend and be spent, freely, and without the thought of what would be returned to him again. The privilege was all his in the giving.

This lavish giving is a revelation of the heart of the Father. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things.” (Rom. 8:32). Motivated by this love, let us be unselfish-minded, seeking only the welfare of others, taking no thought for ourselves, and what might be returned to us again.

Unselfish, thus it is His mind,
And those who are of His own kind,
No jealous fire within to burn,
But freely give without return.

Ray Prinzing