Valuing Others

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

The value of someone or something determines its importance.  For example, if something is highly valued by you, it gets your attention.  Perhaps it is a hobby, TV, computer time, etc.  Maybe it gets more attention than a needy child.  It’s easier to get lost in leisure activities than to face the reality of a broken relationship. When we put a higher value on our relationships, we can be assured to keep them high priority in hard times.

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3)

Pride sometimes gets in our way.  Pride places a lower priority on others and a higher priority on ourselves.  Pride tells us that the needs and issues of others are much lower in value than our own needs and wants.  It’s only from a humble heart that we are able to value others as Christ values them. When we place the needs of others above ourselves, with no regrets or complaining, God is glorified.

I ask you now to take the time for a “relational audit.”  Ask yourself if your priorities, value and pride are in check.  Is God being glorified by your actions?  Ask yourself how you can be of service for our Lord Jesus Christ.  Humble yourself before the Father and ask where He will lead you and what He will have you do in the days ahead.

The world is not our own, but His.