Here is a 2-minute meditation from 365 Windows (1960) by Halford E. Luccock.
Do nothing from selfishness or conceit,
but in humility count others better than yourselves.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
Have this mind among yourselves,
which is yours in Christ Jesus.
--Philippians 2:3-5 (Revised Standard Version)
We often hear the phrase "extended himself." It often describes an exceptionally fine performance, such as an athletic event, or making a speech, for instance. Sometimes the words suggest other meanings. A man may "extend himself" like an octopus, reaching out his tentacles to snatch some advantages from someone else. Strongly acquisitive people remind us of a long claw reaching out to snatch.
There is a better way of "extending yourself." It is the extension of the perceiving, experiencing, and sharing self. Jesus wanted people to extend themselves into other lives, beyond the walls of their own comfort and gain.
Help us, O God, to remember the plea of Jesus that we be concerned for others as well as ourselves. Amen.
