Culture isn’t always biblical.
Scripture
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.- Philippians 2:3-4
Observation
This scripture contradicts what society and culture preaches . It reaffirms why as Christians it’s important we weigh what culture says to what the Bible also says. In this day and age , “self” is being preached heavily. To think about you only , what’s best for you , your mental health , self love . I am in no way condemning this but where do we really draw the line ? This scripture removes the focus from self only and focuses on others also . “Let nothing “ meaning there is no exception to this rule . Isn’t it ironic the second most important commandment Jesus would say is to love your neighbour as yourself ? (Matthew 22:39) A lot of sin, evil and tragedy going on today is because we forget to factor in how what we do may impact others . After all, if we are good then that’s all that matters right ? But that is FALSE doctrine. We are told in this scripture to avoid self ambition and conceit . Self ambition is the pursuit of one's own goals and desires, often at the expense of others and without regard for their well-being or the broader good. Not only do we end it here but we often walk in conceit where we are also excessively prideful in our actions.
The scripture doesn’t just leaves us hanging but it shows us the way , the truth in how we need to live us Christians . In lowliness of mind and to esteem others better than ourselves. In all truthfulness it took me a long time to understand and to come into agreement with this . Why ? Because this suggests seeing yourself less than others and others better than you . Then I asked God but what if I’m actually exhibiting better qualities than someone ? in hindsight how are they actually better than me ? And He answered “but is that really you showing these qualities or is it Me(God) finding expression through your life ? This really humbled me because indeed dust we came into this world and dust we shall return . Who/what we are is only by the grace of God and not by our might or strength.
Application
If there’s one thing we know, it’s that God opposes the prideful and exalts the humble ( James 4:6). It is important we contend for humility . I ask God how do I actually stop being prideful ? Sometimes you can’t help but be so fixated on that which you have achieved or what you’re capable of or even the graces and anointing on your life . The Holy Spirit gave me this analogy, we are a pot . An empty pot . God is the chef who uses us for extraordinary meals. However if you carry that meal and pride yourself in it , the moment He decides to stop using you as a pot to cook, what do you have to show ? Pot’s can’t cook food themselves they are just vessel waiting to be used. Likewise we have nothing to pride ourselves in because we are just dust, empty vessels being used by God. It is a privilege to allow God to find expression through us . “Lowliness of mind” means humility all starts in the mind . The same mind the enemy contends for . It’s important we watch our thoughts . Whenever we start having prideful thoughts or “me me me” we need to contend against it and tear it down . In all our dealings we need to ask this simple question “ is this only good for myself or good for my neighbors also ?” It’s in this we truly love our neighbors as ourselves. I mean who doesn’t want good things for themselves? So imagine extending that to our neighbors? What a glorious and better world we would live in if we all lived by scriptures. What I love about humility is that just like any attribute , you can ask God for this grace also .
Prayer
Heavenly Father thank You for Your word today. Forgive me where I’ve been prideful and thinking about myself only .Show me mercy oh God. Help me to live out a mindset of humility. Help me to consider the needs of others in all my dealings . I repent of my sins both known and unknown . In Jesus name I pray Amen .