"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."       ~ Philippians 2: 3-4

This verse seems simple and to the point, and yet we have to fight off our very sin nature to accomplish even a small fraction of the selflessness to which we are called.  However, it is the Holy Spirit in us that makes this not only possible, but gives it the opportunity to grow into our new nature in Christ Jesus.

The thing I'm learning though is that this quality of selflessness isn't just the simple act of thinking of others instead of yourself.  It goes deeper, and into many areas and relationships in life.  For me I'm learning that at times, this means thinking of things and situations through another's eyes rather than my own.  Rather than seeing only how it affects me and makes me feel a certain way; I am called to see that other person's life and situation, maybe just in that one hour of their lives and see how this situation is from their point of view.  It's a lot harder than it sounds, especially if we are dealing with hurt or frustration because we know that those feelings are real.  But what I think we are called to in these few verses is to step out of those feelings and see the situation from the other's point of view before we really solidify our thoughts/perceptions.

For me in particular, this is a daunting task because I live by my emotions and it is a huge challenge to put aside how I am feeling and really take a deeper look at the current situation.  But I'm learning that in laying that down and considering the other person, there is sometimes a peace that is found, an understanding now present.  And this can bring more joy into our lives, the act of thinking of others before ourselves.

Charles Spurgeon says "Beloved, depend upon it, our miseries grow at the root of our selfishness. Where selfishness begins, sorrow begins; and where selfishness is dead, grief is dead. Remember that our sorrows usually spring out of ourselves; and that, when self is 

conquered, sorrow is to a great extent banished from the human heart. "