Others' Interests (TT)

 "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4 NIV).

We can look at our own interests, pursuits, issues and so on, but don't be one-sided.  Look into other folks' as well.  They are equally important.

Actually, when reading this verse out of context, it sounds more like a busybody, gossipers' conference.  But when read in context it is so much the opposite!

It's like when Jesus, our champion, looked out for others' interests rather than His own.  When He took on flesh, humbling Himself to do so, He

 "became obedient unto death" (Phil. 4:8).  

He got the Gold Medal for this.  

"God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name" (Phil 4:9).

As followers of Jesus Christ, we do well to follow Jesus' ultimate example.

Think of looking out for the interests of others without interjecting our own interest and then switching the conversation to only be about ourselves.  No hijacking allowed.  I have a tendancy to do this and if the other person in the conversation is one who is adept at deflecting anything about themself, what's left to talk about?  This is a quandary then.  One has a challenge to juggle the conversation.

But if someone comes to us and truly wants a listening ear, adopt one, and train yourself to LISTEN.  Adopt a councellor's motto, to listen using your eyes as well as your ears to truly hear them.

Asking the person questions that lead them to share more in-depth will also convey your interest in that person.  A friend recently gave me a deck of cards called UG cards (Unite Generations). There are four levels of question cards.  Level one asks more ice-breaker, surface sort of questions to get to know a person, specifically of a different generation than you.  Level two and up will ask more and more in-depth questions.  It is hoped that a generation gap will be bridged by these openers of conversation.  

I believe that similar questions could help bridge the gap between the person with whom one is speaking, no matter the age.  When one truly wishes to show ones' care, one will also show that one has been listening.  Using leading questions that cannot be answered with simple "Yes," or "No" replies is a skill that I'm finding one needs to hone with practice.

Using ones' eyes will ascertain if the one speaking is anxious, angry, in pain, exhausted, terrified and so much more.  Using ones' ears will hear that tone and inflection of voice, and not just the words coming out.  This is a big part of listening with empathy and looking out for others' interests.  Listening with empathy and respect will go a long way for that person to feel truly heard.

There is the traditional Chinese character for the word, 'listen'.  It's comprised of the word for ears (with which we listen), king (for whom we must show respect), eyes (to see the mood or state of a person) and heart (our care and love for another).  I think it is a fabulous character and excellent composition that incorporates looking out for others' interests (see the accompanying picture above for this Chinese Character).

If we have our heads in the sand and only ever look at our own interests, Deborah Smith Pegues, in her book, 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, calls this "self-absorption".

One is only "all ears" for oneself and ones own agenda, like Haman in the book of Esther.  Pegues used Haman as an example of this and what not to be like.  He was all out for himself and he came to a sad and just end.  On the other hand, Mordecai, Esther's uncle, was all out for Esther and his people.  Together, with Esther, they saved their people from annihilation.

Our seemingly small acts of looking out for the interests of others could well be big in their eyes and life.  Let's be encouraged to train ourselves in this pursuit of becoming more like Jesus.

Jesus, You left Your glorious heavenly home and Your Father God, to come to earth because You were looking out for mankind's interests - for my interests.  Thank You so much!

Your goodness and kindness certainly run after me and all those whom God has given You through Your act that brought us salvation, and into God's family.  I'm sorry, Lord, for all the self-absorbed times I've exhibited, seeking my own interests.  May I become more like You in looking out for the interests of others.  I beseech You Lord Jesus in Your name.   Amen.

                                                  ~ ERC  June 2025 ~

Based on Philippians 2:4-9 especially vs 4.  Also 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, Day 21 - The Self-Absorbed Tongue, by Deborah Smith Pegues.

Sing, Philippians 2:4 NKJV song - Memory Mary.