“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.”
Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭1-5‬ ESV

This is something we know and should understand as we walk with Christ, that a God maintains preeminence over all, and then we consider others before ourselves. Paul, as he grows in his understanding of Christ, is compelled with these desires to see others be encouraged, to be assured and stand firm in Christ. His heart is with them, even though he cannot physically be there in that moment.

This simple example of an ‘others-centered’ mindset should permeate our own hearts. Maybe it’s not people in Asia Minor that are garnering our attention (although we do desire Christ for them) but it may be that your heart is with a relative, neighbor or coworker. We desire to see them firmly established in Christ, and so we are daily concerned for them, desiring to see them grow in the knowledge and heart of Christ. Because we understand that discipleship is not simply a matter of baptizing someone, but a bringing-along of others in faith, encouraging growth, deeper study and devotion to Christ, living out the love that has been shown to us.

So GoLove and let that love focus your heart on others. Rather than getting wrapped up in varying degrees of selfishness, get your heart wrapped up in a desire to see others grow in Christ.