doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Philippians 2:3-4 WEB
With this statement, Paul continues his focus on unity in the church. Pride is said to be the great sin that caused the fall of Satan. It is just as dangerous for men to think too much of ourselves. As we read in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall. WEB”
Knowing the destructiveness of pride, Paul discourages rivalry and conceit. Instead, he teaches humility. Although God in the flesh, Christ humbled himself in service to others and in obedience to our heavenly Father. The Lord loved selflessly and died in our place to pay for our sins. As Jesus says in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. WEB”
Also, Jesus commands us to love one another. The Lord says to his disciples in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. WEB” Loving others in submission to the will of our Savior guards our hearts against pride and arrogance.
Love God With All Your Heart
Jesus teaches in Mark 12:30-31, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. The second is like this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. WEB” Submitting to the authority of God keeps us humble. Loving our fellow man as we love ourselves protects us from exaggerating our own importance.
But Paul takes this a step further. In order to promote humility. Paul asks that we treat others as more important than ourselves. In order to encourage humility and unity in the church, Paul teaches to put the needs of others first. This is consistent with the sacrificial love of Jesus.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the clarity of your holy word. I come to you in humility asking that you give me wisdom to understand and apply your word to my life. Help me to serve your purpose. Help me to serve my fellow man. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Great Is Your Faithfulness
