“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3
O is for others. Others is used in reference to anyone other than oneself. I know that we like to think that we are the only person on this planet, but, let me assure you, we are not. There are many other persons; in fact, billions of other persons.
Since there are so many others living here with us, how does that affect us? How are we to live and act? Well, one of the principles found in the scripture today is that we are to “esteem [respect; honor] other[s] better than [above]” our own selves. Hmph! Is that not sitting too well in your spirit, my friend? Why do you think that is? Have you been promoting self too much these days? Have you been so wrapped up in your own little life and own little world that “you deserve” that you have pushed aside and cut off all others who dare to stand within your personal space? Is this sounding too familiar?
I really am more of an introvert than an extrovert. I like my personal time and my personal space just as much as the next person … believe me! BUT, that does NOT excuse me from reaching out to others around me!
We have spent so much time in the world and listening to the world … and reading all of those “make me feel good” quotes that are all over social media, that we have let them completely brainwash us. This is a fact.
How are we going to reach others around us (saved and unsaved alike) if we will not even get the bushel basket lifted high enough to let our lights shine before men? That is our purpose, is it not, dear Christian? To live a life that testifies of God’s love, His saving grace, His mercy, His omnipotence, and so much more?
I believe that we need to win the lost for Christ. The scripture so plainly backs this up. But, what about that person sitting next to you in the church pew? What about that Christian sitting at the very back of the church trying to not be seen because they are so over-whelmed in their spirit from the attacks of the devil that they just want to find a hole and die?
When was the last time that we did something for someone else expecting NOTHING in return … and I mean NOTHING? God has given EACH one of us talents to be used for His glory. When was the last time that you used it to serve in your church? To serve another brother or sister in Christ? To serve that lost person that will not let you into their personal space?
The Bible goes on to tell us in Philippians 2:4-8 “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Oh, my friend, my heart is greatly convicted! Woe is me, Lord! How can I compare? How can you compare?
Lesson Objective: To understand that others means just that … OTHERS … NOT self, NOT me, NOT you, and NOT I! What are you doing to reach others around you? How much time have you taken for others today, this week, or this month?
Did you pass or did you fail?