Things of Others

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Saint George Preca has been likened as a succe...Image via Wikipedia
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:4)
 
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. "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" (Romans 16:17). 

Another part is being aware of godly examples. "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample" (Philippians 3:17).
 
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: "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" (Galatians 6:1). Also consider these:
 
  • "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth" (1 Corinthians 10:24).
  • "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 10:33).
  • "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak" (1 Corinthians 8:9).
 
Finally, written by the same apostle who instructed the stronger Philippian church, there is this gentle summary statement recorded for the struggling Corinthian assembly: "Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed" (2 Corinthians 6:3). 
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