“In lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Php 2:3b)
"For all seek their own, not the things which are of Jesus Christ." (MKJV Phil 2:21)
To esteem others better than self is unnatural; fallen human nature rebels at such a blow to its ego. It is humanly impossible; we do not have the power in ourselves to live such an otherworldly life. But it is divinely feasible; the indwelling Holy Spirit empowers us to efface self in order that others might be honored.
Gideon illustrates our text. After his three hundred men had defeated the Midianites, he called for the men of Ephraim to add the final blow. They cut off the escape route and captured two Midianite princes. But they complained that they had not been called earlier. Gideon replied that the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim was better than the vintage of Abiezer (Jdg 8:2), that is, the mopping-up operation conducted by the men of Ephraim was more illustrious than the whole campaign waged by Gideon. This spirit of selflessness appeased the Ephraimites.
Joab showed great unselfishness when he captured Rabbah and then called for David to come and administer the coup de grace (2Sa 12:26-28). Joab was quite content that David should get credit for the victory. It was one of the nobler moments in Joab’s life.
The Apostle Paul esteemed the Philippians better than himself. He said that what they were doing was the significant sacrifice to God, whereas he was nothing more than a drink offering, poured out over the sacrifice and service of their faith (Php 2:17).
In more recent times, a beloved servant of Christ was waiting in an anteroom with other distinguished preachers, ready to file out onto the platform. When he finally appeared at the door and a thunderous ovation took place, he quickly stepped aside so that those who were following him would receive the applause.
The supreme example of self-abnegation is the Lord Jesus. He humbled Himself that we might be exalted. He became poor that we might become rich. He died that we might live.
"For 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 Himself] 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. Therefore God has highly exalted Him, and has given Him a name [which is] above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of heavenly ones, and of earthly ones, and of ones under [the] earth; and [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to [the] glory of God [the] Father." (MKJV Phil 2:5-11)
This we walk graciously into another year, let us esteem one another better than ourselves. Let do less of complaints, more of sacrificial works in humility. Helping one another in love in obedience to Christ command.
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. … You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. … These things I command you, that you love one another." (MKJV John 15:12,14,17)
It is my prayer that, the Spirit of humility will possess us to exalt and to honor one another in the sacrificial love of God in Christ Jesus.
I pray this morning, that every evil cloud, that have been orchestrated from the pit of hell to block your rising and shinning in the glory of God this year shall be cleared away
Have a prosperous and productive day, in Jesus Christ mighty name!
Aps. Tim OLUWAJOBA
LAMSHEM INTERNATIONAL
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