Could anything be more at odds with modern dogma which constantly tells us to put ourselves first? This notion has so affected (or infected!) the church that Jesus’ teaching that one is to love his neighbour as himself (Matt. 22:39) is now construed to mean that we must first learn to love ourselves before we can love our neighbours.

Paul’s formula for joy stands out in Philippians. It is J (Jesus) O (Others) Y (Yourself). So very often we try to have Paul’s joy while we reverse his formula. It cannot be done. We can’t spell joy by putting the Y first, and we can’t find joy by putting ourselves first.

2:3. After revealing the positive way for believers to behave toward one another, Paul gives negatives to avoid. Unity in love means selfish ambition and vain conceit have no place in the Christian life. Such characteristics rise from pride, not from love. Instead, humility is to characterize the Christian. We are not to exalt ourselves above others.

You are probably thinking that this is easier said than done. Yet, Jesus, himself, said: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35). Biblical love is selfless. The opposite of this kind of love is selfishness. Humility does not mean putting ourselves down but rather lifting others up.

2:4. Looking out for our own interests comes naturally. We need, and receive, no instruction for that. We are instructed to look out for the interests of others. We are to keep an eye out to discover ways we can help others even when they do not see they need such help. The apostle stated in Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”