DINGO THE DOG

DINGO THE DOG

READ:
Philippians 2:1-4

Let each of you look out not
only for his own interests, but
also the interests of others.
-Philippians 2:4

Harry Tupper is a fishing legend here in Idaho where I live.  There's a spot on Henry's Lake over on the east side of the state that's named for him:  "Tupper's Hole."

The thing I remember most about Harry, aside from his rare ability to catch those huge Henry's Lake trout, was his dog, Dingo.  Now there was a dog!  Dingo used to sit alongside Harry in his boat and watch intently while he fished.  When the old fisherman hooked a trout, Dingo would bark furiously until the fish was netted and released.

Dingo's enthusiasm taught me something:  It's better to get more excited about what others are doing than what we are doing.

So, as I read Philippians 2:4 and think about Dingo, I ask myself:  Do I spend time thinking about "the interests of others"?  Do I get as excited about what God is doing in and through a friend as I do about what He is doing in and through me?  Do I long to see others grow in grace and find success, though it may have been my efforts that made them prosper?

This is the measure of greatness, for we are most like God when our thoughts for ourselves are lost in our thoughts for others.  Paul said it best:  "Let each esteem others better than himself" (2:3).  Is that how we live?  David Roper

Love feels the sorrows others feel,
It longs to give support,
And love is quick to take delight
In every good report. - D. De Haan
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A life filled with love for the Lord and for others
                      is a fulfilling life.

INSIGHT
Though it appears that there was strife and friction in the church at Philippi (see Philippians 4:2-3), we should not assume that Paul's words in today's reading were meant to be merely a remedial response to the division in their church;  it runs much deeper.  It is meant to correct the attitudes that have bred the divisions.  Living the "one another" attitudes  described in Philippians 2:1-4 accomplishes several important things.  First, these attitudes express and live out the heart of Christ (vv.5-11).  Second, these attitudes can bring joy to other believers (v.2).  Third, when we look out for the interest of others, no one in the body goes uncared for.  A response of concern for one another is at the heart of Jesus' call for us to love one another (John 15:12).

Have a blessed day
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace