It’s Not About You!

Opening Scripture

Philippians 2:3–5 NIV

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. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

In Philippians 2:3-5 one thing we must understand is that Paul isn't simply teaching Christians to be nicer people.

Paul IS teaching that genuine Christ-centeredness should fundamentally transform how we view ourselves in relation to others.

Paul was challenging a culture obsessed with honor, status, and recognition

The Greek word translated as selfish ambition is eritheia (ἐριθεία).

It carries the idea of selfish rivalry, personal advancement, and pursuing one's own interests at the expense of others.

If we are truly honest with ourselves we strive to be recognized for the good things that we do for others.

We Live in a time and age where everything is recorded

I want to help my neighbor — let me record it

I want to help this homeless person — let me record it

I am serving in the church — let me boast about it.

So many relationships are broken because of the amount of SELF-CENTEREDNESS we allow into them!

Your Pride Is a Problem

Proverbs 13:10 NIV

Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

There is a saying “Happy Wife, Happy Life” — Men probably have heard and maybe even known this statement to be true!

However, Men, how can we have a happy wife or happy relationship when we are to busy feeding our ego?

Ladies, how can you expect to have a PEACEFUL and CHRIST-CENTERED relationship with your husband or significant other when PRIDE has convinced you that everything has to be YOUR WAY or NO WAY?

However, MEN, how can we expect to have a HAPPY WIFE or a HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP when we're too busy feeding our own EGO?

Pride that is rooted within Self-Centeredness WILL Break and destroy any relationship

Pride is Venom that completely will kill a relationship or marriage!

Pride Leads you into serving yourself instead of serving others

In order to have a thriving relationship we MUST remove self and include Christ at the center!

What’s Your Ambition?

James 3:16 NIV

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Ambition is intended to be a good thing — BUT there are times where it can actually be a bad thing depended on what is at the center of it

James teaches us that where we have envy and selfish ambition will lead us into a place of disorder and lead into evil practices.

We live in a time where people are chasing after platforms instead of chasing after God’s will

We live in a time where people are chasing after public admiration instead of being pleasing to God

We live in a time where people are chasing after the opportunitiy to make their name great instead of magnifying the name that is above every name, the name of Jesus!!

By chasing after our own desires that are rooted within the flesh will lead into a place of emptiness and despair

There is NOTHING in this life that can truly satisfy our souls —- only Christ can do that!

Put on Christ in it all and through it all

Colossians 3:12–14 NIV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

By choosing to clothe our selves with Compassion, Kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience we chose to put on Christ!!

To live a Christ centered life requires you to become more like Christ!

The more CHRISTLIKE we become, the greater the opportunity for our relationships to THRIVE—even in the TOUGHEST seasons!

Just because we've PUT ON CHRIST doesn't mean we won't experience STRUGGLES. It doesn't mean we won't face TRIALS and TRIBULATIONS!

When we choose CHRIST through it ALL, placing Him at the CENTER of EVERY area of our lives, we can have CONFIDENCE that even in our DARKEST seasons, His PEACE—which surpasses ALL UNDERSTANDING—will guard our hearts and minds! And rather than being rooted in SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS, we become rooted in the RIGHTEOUSNESS that comes through CHRIST!

Your Next Steps

1. CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU CHECK OTHERS!

Before pointing out everything someone else is doing wrong, take time to examine your own heart, attitude, and actions.

2. PUT YOUR PRIDE ASIDE!

This week, intentionally practice HUMILITY in your relationships.

Stop making every disagreement about proving you're RIGHT. Be willing to listen, acknowledge your mistakes, apologize when necessary, and consider perspectives other than your own.

3. MAKE SOMEONE ELSE A PRIORITY!

Find at least ONE opportunity this week to put someone else's interests ahead of your own.

Whether it's your spouse, children, family members, friends, coworkers, or someone within the church, intentionally demonstrate Christlike love through your ACTIONS.

4. CHANGE HOW YOU RESPOND!

When disagreements, frustrations, or difficult situations arise this week, intentionally choose to respond with the CHARACTER of CHRIST.

Instead of immediately reacting out of anger, frustration, or pride, take a moment to PRAY and consider how Jesus would have you respond.

Practice being quick to LISTEN, slow to SPEAK, and slow to become ANGRY.

5. LET JESUS BE THE CENTER OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS!

Make an intentional decision to invite Jesus into EVERY area of your relationships.

Before making decisions, addressing disagreements, or responding to difficult people, ask yourself:

"Am I approaching this situation with the MINDSET of CHRIST or the mindset of SELF?"

Spend time in prayer and God's Word, asking the Holy Spirit to develop greater humility, patience, compassion, forgiveness, and love within you.