Philippians 2:3 - Humility Builds Relationships.
Philippians 2:3 (NIV) Do nothing out of
selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility
consider others better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 (NLT) Dont be selfish;
dont try to impress others. Be humble, thinking
of others as better than yourselves.
WORD STUDY
Selfishness and Pride: We are to form no
plan and aim at no goal that is prompted by
selfish ambition or a desire to outdo others.
Nothing, not even for an end that is good in itself,
is pleasing to God if prompted by these
motives. [SDA Bible Commentary]
Self-esteem: A modern psychological ploy is
to attribute many personal and social problems
to individual lack of self-esteem. The
Scriptures, however, urge each of us to have
"other-esteem," not self-esteem. Our real problem is
self-centeredness and too much self-esteem. However, Paul
urges us to be lowly-minded, not highminded,
seeking the good of others, not concerned with
ourselves. [Defenders SB]
INTRODUCTION
Being humble involves having a true
perspective about ourselves (see Romans 12:3). It does
not mean that we should put ourselves down.
Before God, we are sinners, saved only by God's
grace, but we are saved and therefore have great
worth in God's Kingdom. We are to lay aside
selfishness and treat others with respect and common
courtesy. Considering others' interests as more
important than our own links us with Christ, who was a
true example of humility. [Life Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Choosing to be humble is a relationship
builder. What is humility? Its when you honor
others above yourself, not always demanding or
clinging to your rights.
Pride, on the other hand, destroys
relationships - and it shows up in a lot of different
ways. It can make you critical, judgmental,
competitive, stubborn, and unforgiving. Proverbs 16:18
says, Pride leads to destruction; a proud
attitude brings ruin (NCV).
Pride is also self-deceiving. When you
have a problem with pride, you struggle to see it
in your life. But everyone else can see it in
you!
What does pride look like in a
relationship? You always offer advice but never ask for
it. And you cant admit when life is hard.
Everybody else is saying, Yeah, this last week was
tough. But you cant seem to admit you have any
problems.
But how does humility play out in a
relationship? Notice the five relationship builders in 1
Peter 3:8: Live in harmony, be sympathetic,
love each other, have compassion, and be
humble (GW). The first four are really built on the
last one: Be humble. And its an excellent
model for relationships.
How does humility happen in your life? It
happens by letting Jesus control your thoughts, your
heart, your attitudes, and your reactions. Growing
in humility has to include Jesus.
The basic law of relationships is this:
You become like the people you spend time with.
If you spend time with grumpy people, you
get grumpier. If you spend time with happy
people, you get happier. If you want to have more
humility, spend time with Jesus Christ in prayer and
reading his Word. Just talk to him. He wants a
relationship with you, and he wants to show you how he
modeled humility in his life on Earth.
Growing in humility may seem like a big
task, but its possible with Jesus. Take the
first step toward humility by getting to know
Jesus, and he will help you become a relationship
builder. [Daily Devotional by Rick Warren:
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]
COMMENTARY ILLUSTRATION
Perhaps you've never placed the word
courteous next to Christ. I hadn't until I wrote this
chapter.
But you know how you never notice
double-cab red trucks until your friend says he wants
one"then you see a dozen of them? I had never thought
much about the courtesy of Christ before, but as
I began looking, I realized that Jesus makes
Emily Post look like Archie Bunker.
He always knocks before entering. He
doesn't have to. He owns your heart. If anyone has
the right to barge in, Christ does. But he
doesn't. That gentle tap you hear? It's Christ.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock" (Rev. 3:20
NASB).
And when you answer, he awaits your
invitation to cross the threshold.
And when he enters, he always brings a
gift. Some bring Chianti and daisies. Christ
brings "the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
And, as he stays, he serves. "For even the Son of
Man did not come to be served, but to serve"
(Mark 10:45 NIV). If you're missing your apron,
you'll find it on him. He's serving the guests as
they sit (John 13:4-5). He won't eat until he's
offered thanks, and he won't leave until the
leftovers are put away (Matt. 14:19-20).
He is courteous enough to tell you his
name (Exod. 3:15) and to call you by yours (John
10:3). And when you talk, he never interrupts. He
listens.
He is even on time. Never late. Never
early. If you're checking your watch, it's because
you're on a different itinerary. "There is a time
for everything" (Eccles. 3:1). And Christ stays
on schedule.
He even opens doors for you. Paul could
preach at Troas because "the Lord had opened a
door" (2 Cor. 2:12 NIV). When I asked my dad why
men should open doors for women, his answer was
one word: "respect." Christ must have abundant
respect for you.
He knocks before he enters. He always
brings a gift. Food is served. The table is
cleared. Thanks are offered. He knows your name and
tells you his, and here is one more.
He pulls out the chair for you. "He
raised us up with Christ and gave us a seat with
him in the heavens" (Eph. 2:6).
My wife has a heart for single moms. She
loves to include a widow or divorce at the table
when we go to a restaurant. Through the years
I've noticed a common appreciation from them.
They love it when I pull out their chair. More
than once they have specifically thanked me. One
mom in particular comes to mind. "My," she
blushed, brushing the sudden moisture from her eye,
"it's been a while since anyone did that."
Has it been a while for you as well?
People can be so rude. We snatch parking places. We
forget names. We interrupt. We fail to show up.
Could you use some courtesy? Has it been a while
since someone pulled out your chair?
Then let Jesus. Don't hurry through this
thought. Receive the courtesy of Christ. He's your
groom. Does not the groom cherish the bride?
Respect the bride? Honor the bride? Let Christ do
what he longs to do.
For as you receive his love, you'll find
it easier to give yours. As you reflect on his
courtesy to you, you'll be likely to offer the same.
[Max Lucado Daily Devotional at maxlucado.com]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Philippians 2:3 - A Call to Common Courtesy.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221016-0956.html
Philippians 2:5 - Having the Mind of Jesus.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220312-0934.html
Philippians 2:5 - Having the Mind of Jesus
Requires Holy Spirit Power.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180618-2132.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
