Sunday, April 15, 2018

Who Is Better Than I? Everybody.

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Philippians 2:1-8. Maybe because it is such a challenge to me.
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 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.Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
In other words,
IF:
I have been encouraged by being part of the body of Christ...
I have received any comfort by knowing how deep and how wide is Christ's love for me...
I have had an experience, a relationship with the Holy Spirit...

THEN:
...agree with one another in the body on our purpose -- to glorify God; our power -- Jesus Christ; our passion -- for one another because of our passion for Christ.
...be lowly of mind, humble as Christ.
...put others' interest first.
...consider others better than ourselves.

That. Is. Heavy. If any of the three qualifications above apply, we have an obligation to get along with others -- more than that -- consider others better than ourselves! But, how on earth -- this earth -- do we do that? How can we put others first when others are so selfish, annoying, inept, devious, inconsiderate,   (fill in the blank)  ?

There are some practical, behavioral things we can do, despite how we feel. We can actively look for others' talents and positive attributes. We can pray for them. We can let them "go first": hold the door, wave them forward, let them have the last piece of cake, let them sit in your seat or use your favorite pen. We can offer to help bear their burden. But how do we begin to really think that way? How do we believe in our hearts that others are better?

As we seek God, as we surrender to Him, He opens our eyes to all He has done for all those He loves (EVERYONE!), and He shows us our own faults and sins -- and how He has restored us (!!!). As we seek God, our hearts are humbled and our fears are removed. We rest in the assurance of all Jesus has done for us; and our future, which is held entirely by Him, is no longer a source of trepidation or stress. We do not need to scratch and claw our way over others to be the best or prove we are the best. We only want to prove Jesus is the best. We don't have to build walls of our own strength or pride that intimidate others and -- we believe -- keep hurt and failure at bay. We rest. In His strength. In His ability. In His plan. And we give Him all the glory! We are truly fearless! And we have nothing to lose!

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