“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather,
in humility value others above yourselves.” –Philippians 2:3
Paul encouraged the early church in Philippi to be like him
in their thinking and to go about community life, “Having the same love” and “being
one in spirit.” Paul also requested the Philippians “Do nothing out of selfish
ambition or vain conceit.” He requested they humbly value others above themselves
and to not look to their own interests, but to the interests of the others (see
Philippians
2:2-4).
As we study and work together in community as Christians,
valuing and considering one another above our selves is very important. Like
the early church, we want to be a community of love and honor who views
everyone as valuable and treats everyone as children of God. We can value one
another like this by showing honor.
Part of loving and honoring one another is respecting one
another enough to be honest. This also means we do not take unfair advantage of
others or succeed unjustly. It means we do not take what belongs to another.
Finally, this means we hold one other accountable and encourage one another
towards excellence and honor (Leviticus
19:11-19).
May we honor one another as Paul suggested by “Following God’s
example as dearly loved children and [walking] in the way of love, just as
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice
to God” (Ephesians
5:1-2).
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