“For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 2:21 ESV).
Paul wrote to the Philippians about his desire to send Timothy to them. Unlike others who were concerned with their own affairs, Timothy stood out as a rare example of one who genuinely sought the things of Christ. In a world filled with self-interest, Paul found few who lived with Christ-centered devotion. His words echo what he had just urged the church to do earlier in this chapter: to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4). Timothy embodied the Christlike humility described in the “Christ hymn” (Phil. 2:5–11), living not for himself but for the sake of Jesus.
Paul’s words remind us how uncommon it is to find someone wholly devoted to Christ. Self-interest comes so naturally to us that we hardly notice it. Yet Timothy shows us a different way—the way of Christ Himself. He wasn’t trying to build his own platform or gain recognition; he simply loved people with the love of Jesus. That same call comes to us: to check our motives, to stop living as though life is about us, and to begin seeking the things of Christ above all. When our hearts turn toward Christ and others, we reflect the humility of our Savior. This is the kind of life the world rarely sees, but desperately needs.
Let us ask ourselves: Whose interests are we really seeking today—our own, or Christ’s?
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us when we seek our own things instead of the things of Christ. We confess how easily our hearts turn inward in self-interest. Teach us to put others before ourselves and to live for Your glory, not our gain. Purify our motives so that in all we do, Christ may be magnified. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.