Consider Others Better Than Yourself

Philippians 2.3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

These verses are soothing to our ears but practically we need God's grace to live it.  It is highly honourable to have a character where we think others to be better than us; respecting and honouring them. In a church, we all need to work together for this unity. 

Let’s imagine an orchestra where all the musicians individually play their own masterpiece! How would it sound ? It would be total chaos and loud noise. Instead, if there is a conductor guiding them all: it would be a melodious symphony. We must understand that if there is no Master, there will be chaos and if there is a Master, there will be melody. 

The Holy Spirit is the Conductor that synchronises every note and helps us walk in harmony. The Spirit/ Pneuma is the breath in our instruments. Apostle Paul exhorts us to be in one spirit and one mind. Unity is near uniformity where everybody thinks the same. Unity is synchronisation in the spirit under Christ’s Lordship of different kinds of people. When Christ conducts, His church composes a good symphony.

Apostle Paul gives a few reasons that brings disunity:

1. Selfish ambition: This is when everyone wants things done their way. Instead, each one must learn to listen and obey the leader designated over them. Our attitude must be to do everything to glorify Jesus. Most problems are solved when we decide to do God’s will and not ours. 
2. Vain Conceit: Such people are proud, arrogant and they dominate in a fellowship. A person who is in a high position in the secular field should humble themselves in a church fellowship. 

What is the cure for disunity ?

1. Do everything in humility.
2. Consider others better than ourselves. In Christ Jesus, there is no post superior than others. In the book of Revelation, chapters 3 and 4, we see the elders taking down their crowns and bowing down in worship. 
3. Look at the interests of others too. It is not about making more room for ourselves but about making more room for others in our lives. Humility leaves a chair at the table for someone else’s need.   

There is a story of American President Abraham Lincoln writing a letter for a dying soldier to his mother and signing it in the President’s name as per his request. This is humility in action; someone in authority stooping down to lift someone up. This is what Jesus did for us : in humility value others above yourselves. True greatness kneels beside the broken. 

It is when we serve God when no one sees us that He smiles at us most. An empty cup’s purpose, however beautiful it may be, is fulfilled only when it is filled with tea and served to others. The fullest life is the one that is poured out. This must be our prayer in life that we serve others in humility.