ESTEEM OTHERS BETTER

Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

To begin this study, let us consider esteem as it applies to a person. As a verb, it means to value, praise, or give high honor to someone; to respect, hold a favorable opinion of, and have high regard for someone. It can take the form of esteem of self, or esteem of others. The lesson text tells us that we are to be lowly in mind regarding self and esteem others better, or higher, than we do ourselves. Here is one example of esteem for others. Regarding elders, those that are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, Paul says to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake (See 1 Thess. 5:12-13).

The conduct of a Christian is to be void of the sins of strife or vainglory. Removing these sins of vanity from our lives can only be accomplished by replacing them with this godly characteristic - lowliness of mind. The same meaning is found in Ephesians 4:2 referring to it as all lowliness and meekness. The words here translated "lowliness of mind" are translated "humbleness" in Colossians 3:12. Likewise, they are, in other New Testament scriptures, translated "humility." Paul recites to the elders at Ephesus that he has served the Lord with all humility (See Acts 20:17-21). Peter instructs all Christians to be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility. And for what reason? Peter tells us that God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. He reinforced this command by telling all Christians to humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (See 1 Peter 5:5-6). Humbleness and humility cannot coexist with strife and vainglory.

Verse 4, of the lesson text, warns us that our lives will be filled with either vanity or with humility, based on how we look (on) things. As we consider "things", whether they are our own things or the things of others, we immediately include "things" purchased and accumulated by wealth - homes, means of transportation, clothing, recreational items, etc. However, we must also include intangible "things", such as education, talents and abilities, and heritage. The lesson from the text says that we are not to be self-absorbed with our own things,or those of our own family. Rather our concern should be for the things of others. Notice that we are to look ...ON, not INTO, the things of others. We are to only consider and observe other's "things", not as busybodies nosing and interfering in their personal affairs. Why should our attention be focused on the things of others? Because we cannot demonstrate charity, as commanded by God, without a humble heart. Our concern must be directed toward serving others rather than self. Benevolence ceases, or does not exist, where selfishness begins or lives.

In verses one and two of this chapter, preceding the lesson text, Paul's concern is for the overall welfare and of the body of Christ. Members of the church of Christ are to demonstrate unity by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Anything that causes strife or produces vanity, defeats the cause of Christ, and prevents the unified efforts of the church. Satisfying the physical and spiritual welfare of others, depends on the unselfish attitude exhibited by each member of the body of Christ. Filling the needs of others is to be our common interest, rather than selfishly satisfying our own desires. This is the love that each child, in the kingdom of God, is to demonstrate. In the commandment of charity (love) there is to be unity, accord, and like-mindedness in Christ's church.

There are three great blessings a Christian can possess:faith, hope, (and) charity, but the greatest of these is charity. You are encouraged to read First Corinthians 13. Read it again, and again. Study its true meaning in great depth. In its contents you will often pass over this small, but highly important, phrase. Charity ...seeketh not her own (Vs. 5). Love is not sought for its own indulgence. We are not to expect the world to demonstrate love toward us, nor are we to seek it. Rather, we are to seek every avenue possible, using our talents and abilities to their greatest extent, in demonstrating our love for the physical and spiritual well being of others. The love of God, and all His blessings, are reserved for all of His children, that obey His will, and unselfishly Esteem Others Better than themselves. The only way to acquire love is to give it away to others. Give it away abundantly and your Father in heaven will fill your cup of blessings with overflowing measure.