“Christ pleased not Himself.” He did nothing for Himself; His work was in behalf of fallen man. Selfishness stood abashed in His presence. He assumed our nature that He might suffer in our stead. Selfishness, the sin of the world, has become the prevailing sin of the church. In sacrificing Himself for the good of men, Christ strikes at the root of all selfishness. He withheld nothing, not even His own honor and heavenly glory. He expects corresponding self-denial and sacrifice on the part of those whom He came to bless and save. Everyone is required to work to the extent of his ability. Every worldly consideration should be laid aside for the glory of God. The only desire for worldly advantages should be that we may the better advance the cause of God. {5T 204.2}

»Kristus gjorde heller ikke, hvad der var ham selv til behag.« Han gjorde intet for sig selv, hans arbejde var for faldne menneskers skyld. Overfor ham var selviskheden ydmyget. Han påtog sig vor natur, så han kunne lide i vort sted. Selviskhed, verdens synd, er blevet den fremherskende synd i menigheden. Ved at ofre sig selv for menneskers skyld, får Kristus fat i roden til al selviskhed. Han holdt intet tilbage, ikke en gang hans ære eller himmelsk herlighed. han forventer en tilsvarende selvfornægtelse og opofrelse fra deres side, som han kom for at velsigne og frelse. Enhver er pålagt at arbejde efter evnernes kunnen. Ethvert verdsligt hensyn bør lægges til side, til Guds ære. Det eneste ønske om verdslig fortrin, må være at vi vokser des bedre i Guds sag.