‘In humility value others above yourselves.’ Philippians 2:3 NIV
If you’re a ‘me first’ person, here are some verses of Scripture designed to keep you on your toes—and your knees! ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but… to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 2:3–5 NIV) That’s how Jesus treated people, and you have been called to do likewise. Is doing this easy or convenient? No, it runs contrary to everything in our self-centred natures. And because you were gracious yesterday, is no guarantee you’ll treat people the same way today.
Grace is like a garment; you have to put it on each morning and wear it all day. ‘How can I live like that?’ you ask. By drawing daily on God’s grace, and deciding to put others first. By looking for ways to support and encourage them. Everybody you meet is fighting a battle of some kind, and you may be the one person that crosses their path who is able to speak a word of encouragement to them (see Proverbs 16:24). Don’t let them down. Humility is an attitude that determines ahead of time: ‘I care about the people around me. I don’t always have to be first. I’m going to help somebody else win for a change.’ Humility prays, ‘Lord, teach me to curb my competitive nature and turn that energy into loving and lifting others. Show me how You did it, and help me to do it too.’
SoulFood: Est 4:9–5:3, Heb 4:7–16
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©