THURSDAY September 5, 2024

How to Esteem Others

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4

Paul continued to appeal to the believers in Philippi. He encouraged them to esteem others and not tear them down with their words. The imminent threat to their spiritual growth was disunity from within the church.

As believers in Christ, they had a duty to encourage, love, and act with compassion toward their brothers and sisters in the church. For unity’s sake, they must get along with each other. Paul helped them to recognize that if two of them were arguing, there was pride in their hearts. This could be easily solved. In relation to one another, they needed to humble themselves, forgive, and be peacemakers.

In the church, we are to watch out for others. Listen, place Jesus first, then others, and yourself last. Esteem others better than yourself. This brings unity; it is the result of humility. If Christians submit themselves to the Holy Spirit, and He rules and governs their lives, then there will be unity.

A person with selfish ambition desires to advance themselves. They are self-seeking and conceited––prideful and arrogant. This is not how we should be. Our example is Christ. In His humility, He looked to the interest of others.

Are you guilty of doing things for your own interests? Do you crave position and power––to be great? It is not like that in the Kingdom of God. Jesus taught His disciples servanthood. He is the King of kings, but He walked among us in humility as He served humanity. In John 13:13-15, Jesus set an example for His disciples to follow:

“You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

Do you have the right concept of Christianity?

James and John wanted the glory, but not the cup of shame; the crown, but not the cross; the role of master, but not servant.
~J. Oswald Sanders~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!