Philippians 2:3 (NKJV) 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
We hear a lot these days about self-esteem. It’s a pretty major topic on many fronts.
50 years ago, this phrase had barely been heard of. But over the last few decades it has become more and more prominent when discussing people’s behavior.
The main idea is that people need to deem themselves as being worth something so they feel good about themselves.
While there is some merit in this idea, it has become way too important these days. Why? Because as society as a whole has pushed God out, many people have tried to fill that void with self. Self has taken over.
The scripture above clearly states that we are to esteem others more highly than ourselves. That doesn’t line up very well with the whole self-esteem thing, does it?
You see, our true identity is in Christ. He is the source of life. Without Him, not only are we lifeless, but we have no real identity. We can do nothing without Him.
John 15:5 (NKJV) 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
In fact, the Bible also teaches us that self-seeking causes confusion (chaos).
James 3:16 (NKJV) 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
We have seen this in action in the homes of various people we know personally. There is constant confusion and chaos because everyone there wants to be in charge, be the one talking or the one giving orders.
But when we put everything in proper perspective, and we esteem others more highly than ourselves, peace will come. Our demeanor will change. And we will no longer worry about being the one in the limelight or getting the attention.
This is a hard thing for some of us, especially if we have a dominant type of personality. But as we let Christ temper us, we will begin to see the reality of this Biblical truth. And we will begin to change the way we think, which will also change the way we behave.
Remember, it’s not who we are that counts, but who we are in Christ!
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808
401-315-0902
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