There's nothing quite like the first days. The first days of a new job or relationship captivate us with anticipation and excitement. We rise with the dawn and cannot wait to get to work! We constantly check our phone for any hint of communication from our new person of interest. Our expectations skyrocket. Creativity seems to ooze from the very fiber of our being! We over look little things that normally drive us crazy. We ride the intense whitewater of our emotional rapids that carries us into a what we may begin to believe is a whole new way of being!

And then it happens. Reality.

The first days reflect a lot about us. The white knuckle ride through the first days reflects a lot about our character and what may be guiding us or missing in our lives. Someone or something fills a void in us. Sometimes we didn't know it was there. The initial burst of emotions from first days can be exhilarating but it can take a huge emotional toll on people we care about unless we develop a Christ-like character and think about the long-term effects of our actions.

I hope you check out the second chapter of Philippians this week. I am sure it sounded as radical to them as it does to us today. Paul challenged the Christians of Philippi to look not to their own interests but to the interests of others. In other words, put your interests aside and think before you act. He reminds them of Jesus who didn't take being God for granted but humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross!

And there it is. Reality.

The most incredible Christ-like followers I know die on a daily basis. They reflect the character of Jesus. They are humble and obedient. They make the hearts and minds of others a priority. They recognize their own selfish desires that often parade as needs. It takes incredible self-control to step back, make a personal assessment in any situation and die to personal interests. Philippians chapter two helps us understand why the name of Jesus is above every name and why every knee shall bow. I challenge you to check it out.

-Pastor Jen

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 ESV