Challenging Yet Necessary...

Many people consider the Bible to be a good book, or simply a good read. But to me it's a lot more than that. It's not only something to be read, but it's to be lived out. It's a book which stirs me to action. As I read Philippians I'm challenged over and over again to live out the life and wisdom found in its pages. Two such verses are found in Philippians 2:3-4 which tell us, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." What a challenge for me (and actually everyone). Now many people would say that these things are what they do in their life, but what fruit do can be found that would back them up? I'm challenged to look deep into my own life in this area. I know there have been seasons in my life where unfortunately I haven't done what these two verses say to do (and I have asked the Lord to forgive me), and now my goal is to live them out. My desire is to do nothing from a selfish ambition or motive standpoint. Not to manipulate or twist things to where I benefit or gain from anything. I choose to be a humble man (following Christ's example) desiring for not a morsel of pride be found anywhere in my life. I choose to put others first in all areas. It's time to stop putting me or my interests first. I want to see others succeed, grow, be blessed and shine ahead of me. Isn't that why Jesus came? For others and not Himself? The interests of others must be a priority for me and not my own. I want to serve others and not get caught up in the life of self. I am ready to see these things happen and the fruit that comes from living out the Word. God has been doing so much in my life during this season, some of it challenging, yet all of it necessary. I have chosen the path of surrender to do His will and not my own, and I wouldn't change it for anything :)