“Self-focus” versus “Others-focus”

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself… —Luke 9:23

One of the distinguishing characteristics between the philosophies of the world and the teachings of our Lord Jesus is where the emphasis and focus is. Consider a few of the world’s philosophies:

Greece said, “Be wise, know yourself!”
Rome said, “Be strong, discipline yourself!”
Religion says, “Be good, conform yourself!”
Epicureanism says, “Be sensuous, enjoy yourself!”
Education says, “Be resourceful, expand yourself!”
Psychology says, “Be confident, assert yourself!”
Materialism says, “Be satisfied, please yourself!”
Pride says, “Be superior, promote yourself!”
Asceticism says, “Be lowly, suppress yourself!”
Humanism says, “Be capable, believe in yourself!”
Legalism says, “Be pious, limit yourself!”
Philanthropy says, “Be generous, release yourself!”

In each of these philosophies the focus is on SELF. This is quite different than what our Lord taught. Jesus taught that the ministry of a servant was not on himself but on others. Jesus said, “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all” (Mk. 9:35). Paul wrote, “Let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

The Bible teaches that the focus of a servant’s ministry will be on OTHERS! The servant looks for opportunities to support, encourage, and build up other people. It requires an attitude that would rather give than receive. As Paul said, “Though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself SERVANT UNTO ALL” (1 Cor. 9:19).