Have you used this phrase? Often I hear children use this phrase, “What about me,” when they feel someone else gets something they want. While kids have no filter on their thoughts, we are not much different in how we approach life. However, this phrase shows a selfish attitude that is part of our DNA from birth. A baby wants what it wants, when it wants it, and it will cry until it gets it. They cannot verbalize what about me, but their cry reveals their selfish desires. This selfishness has plagued men and women since sin entered the world through the desires of Adam and Eve. It has become acceptable even in Christian circles, and therefore permeates the world of Christendom.
Christians know that we are to imitate Jesus. Yet one of Jesus’ outstanding characteristics was that He did not think of Himself.
In Romans 15:1-3, Paul reminds us that, “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” Paul teaches us not to live for our own pleasures but to bear their burdens, to help them with their needs. It is an obligation that we take on when we become Christians. Jesus lived a life opposite of one who pleases himself.
In Mark 10:45, John Mark reiterates the same theme Paul expresses. He quotes Jesus saying, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus explicitly states the purpose of His mission on earth. He would use His authority and life to rescue and serve us.
In Philippians 2:3-8, Paul teaches that we are to do nothing to promote ourselves, but to esteem others better than ourselves. This is certainly not something our society promotes. However, this is how Christians are to live, because this is what Jesus did. We are to have His mindset. Which is others first!
Philippians 2:3-8 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
In John 13:14-15, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as an act of love and humility. This was the night before His crucifixion. This was the act of a servant. After He finished, He told them and us that this was an example of what we are to do. “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” This is an act of obedience we practice at our church after communion. It is only a few times a year. However, very few participate. What does that say about their heart? Are they too proud to wash someone’s feet, too proud, as Peter was, to not allow theirs to be washed, or do they disobey and chalk it up as no big deal? Thankfully, Peter did allow Jesus to wash his feet, but his first response was one of pride.
Jesus even thought of others while He was on the cross. In Luke 23:34, He said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” He was in intense agony, but was thinking of the spiritual well-being of those executing Him.
For us to be like Jesus and become selfless, we must be intentional in our quest. It will not happen accidentally. It requires a deliberate shift in our daily habits, our mindset, and our relationships. This process is called sanctification, and it will only be fully completed when we enter Heaven. Until then, there are some things we need to do on the road of sanctification.
- Shift our mindset. Practice the “pause” before we react to situations.
- Embrace humility by looking for ways to serve others. The world sees humility as weakness, but it takes much more strength to be humble than to be arrogant.
- Guard your thoughts to keep from becoming envious or judgmental of others when they are recognized, and you are not.
- Be fully committed to learning Jesus’ character. You cannot mimic someone you do not know. This will require a daily study in the Word. Read the gospels and see how Jesus reacted to people. How did He handle stress? What were His habits?
- Prioritize prayer time. Jesus frequently got alone so He could spend time with the Father. Get away from your phone, television, and other people.
- Practice memorizing Scripture. When you do this, you are giving yourself ammunition to combat Satan. When temptation comes, the Holy Spirit will bring it to mind.
- Change the way you treat others. Jesus was often moved with compassion, and we should be, too. Look past their annoying behavior to their needs. Forgive others quickly. Forgiveness is as much for us as it is for the one who transgressed. Make a conscious effort to serve those no one notices.
- Seek out a community to hold you accountable. Find someone whom you know studies the Word and determines to obey it no matter what others do.
You may say, “I don’t have time to study the Bible every day.” To that I reply, you have time to do the things that are most important to you. This will require discipline on your part to get up earlier and start your day with Him, but the reward will be great once you determine to obey. I often wonder how much God would take care of for us if we would put Him first in our day.
When you hear “What about me,” I pray it will be in reference to how to become like Jesus in holiness, love, compassion, and service to others.
