If you're not ready to die, then you're not ready to live.
Application: Laying aside self-interest is essential to all of our relationships. Once you are certain of your eternal destiny, then you're free to serve - devoting your life to what really counts without fear of dying.
Explanation: Jesus did not seek to promote Himself to a high position of significance to carry out God's plan here on Earth. He showed true humility when He laid aside his rights and privileges as God to become human. He poured out His life to pay the penalty we deserve.
Importance: Although education and focused effort may enable us to take a new role or get a new job, often God puts us in a place to serve. We are to take Christ's attitude in serving others, and Christ gives us power to lay aside our personal needs and concerns! We must renounce personal recognition and merit. When we give up our self-interest, we can serve with joy, love, and kindness.
Reminder: When God starts a project, He finishes it.
"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
Source: Tyndale's Life Application Study Bible
