The Things of Others

Philippians 2:4 “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

A small devotional on the above Bible verse, points out that our responsibility is to think like the Lord Jesus, part of which requires “looking” (marking, identifying) matters beyond our own concerns. Part of that responsibility is caution. Romans 16:17 warns, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark [same Greek word for ‘look’] them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them”. Another part is being aware of godly examples. Philippians 3:17 instructs, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an example”.

The lessons states: surely that responsibility also includes that “we then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1). And in cases of necessary discipline, Galatians 6:1 teaches: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted”.

They tell us to also consider these:

• 1 Corinthians 10:24 “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth”.
• 1 Corinthians 10:33 “Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved”.
• 1 Corinthians 8:9 “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak”

Philippians 2:4 “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Blessings