The World Does Not Revolve Around You - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - August 24, 2023

Audio By Carbonatix

The World Does Not Revolve Around You
By Rick Warren

“Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own.” Philippians 2:4 (GNT)

Everything in our society conditions us to think of ourselves first. But the Bible says, “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own” (Philippians 2:4 GNT).

That is such a countercultural verse. We don’t naturally think about other people’s needs. That’s something we have to learn to do. We more naturally think about our needs, our desires, our goals, and our ambitions. As a result, millions of people are disconnected because they’re only thinking of themselves and not anyone else’s needs.

Recently, when I was watching TV, I saw three commercials, one after another, with the same tagline: “You deserve it.” “Buy this shampoo! You deserve it.” “Buy this expensive car because you deserve it!”

But let me share two very basic truths about life. First, the world does not revolve around you. You’re incredibly special in God’s eyes, and you were created for a purpose—but the world does not revolve around you.

The second truth is this: God has promised that when you focus on meeting the needs of other people, he will meet your needs. Why? Because he wants you to learn to be unselfish. He wants you to learn to be loving and generous like he is.

When you’re considerate of other people’s needs, you don’t expect them to be perfect. The Bible says, “Make allowance for each other’s faults” (Colossians 3:13 NLT). You’re not perfect, so why should you demand it of anybody else?

Proverbs 17:9 says, “Love forgets mistakes” (TLB). When you are trying to make a connection with someone, you don’t have to remain blind to that person’s faults. You can just choose to overlook their imperfections.

Great friends are good forgetters. Instead of dwelling on someone’s mistakes or faults, a good friend considers the other person’s needs.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick

For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!

Your Gift Brings Hope to the World

Transform your prayer life with God’s Word! 

True breakthrough from the struggles of life begins with prayer—and there is no better place to start cultivating a powerful prayer life than the Bible. 

Discover the biblical wisdom you need to transform the way you pray when you dive into this special collection of verses from God’s Word. You’ll be inspired and encouraged by Scripture as you learn to trust in his promises. 

Drawing key verses from Pastor Rick’s "40 Days of Prayer" teaching series, this set of 52 beautifully designed cards will help you memorize God’s Word so you can access it when you need it most—and it’s our thanks for your gift today to help more people experience the transformative power of prayer through Daily Hope! 

Thank you for helping share the hope of Jesus Christ. May you enjoy a time of breakthrough as you fill your heart and mind with the truth of Scripture. 

*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of “current offer” materials you received from Daily Hope.

This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.