‘For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.’ – Philippians 2:21
My pastor once said, “It’s easy to be a Christian, but to be a true and deeply committed Christian takes a lot of denying ourselves daily.” Salvation is free, but following Christ comes with a cost. It requires crucifying our own desires and choosing God’s will, even when it clashes completely with ours.
When Paul wrote this letter from prison, he asked some of the believers to visit the church in Philippi and check on their well-being. But they declined. Why? Because the journey was long, the road was dangerous, and the mission was costly. Only Timothy was willing to go. The rest, Paul said, were chasing their own profit, clinging to ease, protecting their safety, indulging in pleasure, and satisfied with comfort, while the work of Christ was ignored and left undone.
And if we’re honest, this sounds a lot like us today. We claim to love Christ, yet most of the time we love ourselves more. We prioritize our comfort over His cross. We choose our schedules over His service. We chase careers and conveniences while neglecting the kingdom. We guard our safety while ignoring souls that are perishing. We pour our strength into what fades, while giving God only what is leftover. Like those believers, we too often seek our own profit, our own pleasure, our own plans and neglect the very things of Christ.
But one day, we will all stand before Jesus and give an account.
He gave you ability, talent, provision, and blessing. And He will ask: What did you do with them? What will you say? That you were not like Timothy? That you were unwilling to deny yourself and go where Christ sent you? That you were too fearful to preach the Gospel boldly? That you clung too tightly to comfort, safety, and self-pursuit?
Friend, true discipleship of Jesus does not seek self, it seeks Jesus Christ, Our LORD. No matter the cost.”
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