The Bible Edge
Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have the Bible Edge
Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Try to do this while driving on the expressway. …Let each esteem other better than themselves. “They are better than me, they should have that space they are crowding into…” “They are better than me, they should be allowed to zoom over at the last minute to make the exit…” “They are better than me, they should be allowed to ignore the speed limit and drive like that weaving in and out of traffic.” It is the only way to drive from here to there and keep any kind of Christian spirit. At least for me.
Let each esteem other better than themselves. What an awesome command. For those who think they can arrive at some level of sinless perfection this simple command blows that thinking right out of the water because every time we put ourselves above others and think that we are better than they, we sin. Obedience to this one teaching would pretty much end all strife and contention. Think about it; if you ever have a difference with someone at work, at church, or at home, and you think, “They are esteemed, they are better than me” the conflict would end. This does not diminish authority, lessen leadership, or belittle the one in obedience to this command. It promotes these. Because all obedience to the Lord’s teachings, as found in His Word, promotes the one who obeys in the eyes of the Lord. After all He is the audience of one whose opinion ultimately matters.
But how? How can a person …esteem other better than themselves? First of all, determine to “let” that person gives permission coupled with the power of God to do so. After all the word “let” means more than permission it is also an empowerment. Another way to live out this grace is to employ …but in lowliness of mind… for that is where the battle is, the mind.
I believe it was Abraham Lincoln that said of a man who was applying for a high government job “That man is the ableist man that man knows.” In other words, the man he just interviewed thought he was always the smartest man in the room no matter what room he was in. He. like others, like me, needed a great big helping of humble pie.
The Bible Edge for the day is this: consider all those you deal with as being better than you. They may not be, and probably won’t be, nonetheless by esteeming them so God is glorified. To God be the Glory, now and forever!
William Howe, Ph.D.