In humility consider others better than yourselves

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Have you ever noticed how people elevate themselves by trying to lower others. Given we are in the run up to the political primary season we can, regrettably, expect to see more of this.

There is a tendency, human nature if you will, to have a sense of self-importance. It is tied to that sinful human nature we have. It can be manifested in a number of very subtle ways. Even Christians can be caught up in it if they are not watchful. It starts with the thought of us doing more in ministry than others. And then criticizing the efforts or results of others. Gossiping is another pitfall to be avoided. The downward spiral can continue until we are lost or the focus of what we about becomes lost.

When we look at the life of Christ, two examples stands out to exemplify what humility is all about. The first is washing the feet of the disciples. A task normally left to servants, yet there is Jesus washing their feet. He tried to model the behavior the Disciples would need to emulate in all they did. He had observed how their behavior and decided that this one lesson was important to provide.  The second example is how the Son of God died on the cross. He died for the forgiveness of sins for all mankind. All can embrace that forgiveness. And He did all this for a bunch of sinners. He suffered the humiliation of the cross for you and I. That is humility. We can honor his sacrifice by also serving in humility. We do not serve to elevate ourselves. Rather, we serve to elevate others. That is the lesson Jesus wants us to take to heart. That is how Paul served in his ministry. We too can serve in humility, we just need to remember who we are serving.

PRAYER: Father, we struggle at times remembering who we are serving. We forget that we are not in ministry to raise up ourselves. We must remember that we serve others, and not ourselves. We must remember that Your Son served us and not himself. Strengthen our faith, develop our knowledge that we may have a better ability to serve in a manner that is pleasing to You. We serve out of love, and are saved by Your grace and not our deeds. Help us to share the love You have for all mankind. We ask this in the name of Your Son, who lives and reigns with the Father, and the Holy Spirit. One God, now and forever. Amen