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, NKJV)
Pride. It’s something many of us struggle with, and it’s something that God abhors (see Prov. 8:13; 16:18; Mark 7:22). We look at “our” gifts and talents, or what “we’ve” achieved, and we think, “Good for me!” Even more, we sometimes look at what others do, and think, “I could do better.”
We forget—often—that anything we have and anything we can do comes from God. So to be prideful about what we do is kind of an oxymoron. Instead, we’re called to be humble, to do all things with “lowliness of mind.” Not selfish. Not conceited. Rather, we should honor others.
Now this doesn’t mean we’re supposed to be doormats and let people walk all over us. We can certainly look out for our “own interests.” We can—and should—do our best in all things. We should “do all in the name of the Lord” (Col. 3:17). But we also need to make certain we’re supporting our brothers and sisters.
Imagine your life if you could sincerely “esteem others better.” If you could genuinely celebrate the gifts and talents God has given everyone. If you trusted God to use each of us according to His will. If you truly believed none of us is better than another.
Imagine.
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