Scripture for Today: Philippians 2:3b-4 “…in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Chivalry is many times thought to be an outmoded idea.  But not for the male field cricket!  After a thousand hours of infrared camera observations of tagged crickets, scientists made some surprising findings.  When threatened by a bird or frog, the males give their females priority when crawling into safe burrows!  This self-sacrificing behavior, never seen in lab studies, leads to reproductive success!

Today’s verse does not use the word, “chivalry,” but certainly has the idea of treating others well.  Our concern should not be only for our own interests.  A believer is to be concerned about the interests of others as well.  To treat others’ needs as more important than our own can only come from an attitude of humility.  And that humility is not something that comes naturally.  What comes naturally is to put oneself first.

In these strange times of worldwide pandemic, it is easy for me to think uniquely of myself and my own needs.  Staying inside is not only for myself but also in the interest of others.  However, sacrificing my freedoms for the sake of another is not so easy.  It is not easy to ask interested questions about another’s welfare and not have them return the favor.  It is difficult to allow another to go first when pressed for time.  Yet, this is what Jesus asks of me.  My life and my health are in His hands along with all my interests, goals and needs.  I can afford to be gracious and others-centered.  He has all my desires and interests at heart and I can trust Him.

Lord, help me show the kind of self-sacrificing love You showed to me!

Photo Credit: Elgaland Vargaland, https://www.flickr.com/photos/foam/