Humility!

Humility is a quality to exhibit, but not to be boasted of. To acknowledge our humility could be an honest assessment, but to declare we are humble seems to diminish its quality. It is simply WHAT WE ARE TO BE as we continue our growth AS SERVANTS OF CHRIST.

In Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, as he exhorted toward unity of mind and love, he urged these Christians. . .

"(3) Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but IN HUMILITY COUNT OTHERS MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN YOURSELVES. (4) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also TO THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS." ( Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)

We all have our interests. Sometimes those interests can get in the way of relationships. Paul was seeking for that to not be the case within the church at Philippi. It was not that they were to completely forget their own interests or concerns. It was that their focus was not to "only" be there, "but also" with consideration toward the interests of others. As we recognize how important and SIGNIFICANT our own interests are to us, we should also be aware of how others have that same kind of focus on their own. We therefore validate the SIGNIFICANCE of those interests when we hold the same kind of concern toward other's interests. Though we should guard against showing such interest only when we receive it ourselves (since that in itself is a selfish perspective), it can become a powerful mutual benefit within the relationship.

As an example, I have interests that are initially not the interests of my wife. However, because she loves me, she joins me in those interests. My wife also has some of her own interests and she appreciates when I will share in them with her. This means we at times humbly set aside our own desires or something else we'd rather do and choose to validate and honor the other's interests. This works to nurture our relationship and build each other up. The same is true when we have that kind of focus within the family of God, the church.

May we recognize the power of such interest in those within the church, within our families, and with others. Acknowledging the SIGNIFICANCE of the lives of others in this way can lead to nurturing relationships with the Lord. After all, how much interest has He shown on our behalf? If we are seeking the interests of Jesus Christ ( Philippians 2:21) we will also have our focus on others. In humility may it truly be so.

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OTHERS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Relationships