PHILIPPIANS 2:3

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves;”

Putting others before yourself is not a normal behavior for most people. The world tells us to “get all we can, can all we get, sit on the can and poison the rest.” Right? We are told to put yourself first, to watch out for numero uno. Many times, those who climb the ladder of success do it on the backs of others. How can we do as Paul instructs us today and “consider one another as more important” than ourselves?

The key to putting others first is found in the word “humility.” Without that, it is impossible to put others before us. Without humility, we see the world as ours for the taking, no matter who we hurt. Today’s verse is one of those “but” statements. Paul says don’t be selfish or conceited, BUT with humility. You can’t be selfish or conceited and be humble at the same time. It’s just not possible. So, Paul tells us to make a choice. It’s one way or the other. Which will you choose?

APPLICATION

“Humility” is the Greek word tapeinophrosune. It “refers to a mindset characterized by humility and modesty. It is the quality of having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of one’s moral littleness, and a modest view of one’s importance.” (Strong’s Lexicon). This was counterculture back in the Greco Roman world, just as it is today. We see this word used in 1 Peter 5:5. “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT HE GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”

Paul tells us to “consider…more important.” The Greek word for “consider” is the same word used in James 1:2 when James says, “Consider it all joy…” It can have the definition of “lead the way.” Paul wants us to lead the way in putting others before us.

Finally, let me point out that he says, “more important.” The same Greek word is used by Paul later in Philippians when he says in 4:7 that the peace of God, “which surpasses all understanding.” What we think of others and how we treat others should surpass what we think of ourselves. That’s hard to do. No, it’s impossible to do without humility. Dwell on that today.

Father God, let me see others as You see them, then I will have no problem putting them before me.