Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a dynamic communication. Chapter two outlines the amazing truth about the humility of Jesus and the consequent call for us all to live in that humility.
In verse three we read: . . . “in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
This is a significant challenge. Paul’s point is, “Do not treat people the way that they ARE; but what we COUNT them to be.”
The focus is: Will we count others as worthy of our love and encouragement? Not ARE they worthy? But will we COUNT them as worthy?
Will we serve others genuinely and with humility or will we assess and decide whether they are worthy to be served?
Will we exercise our leadership in community, through the perspective that the indwelling Christ brings to us; or will we look for reasons and justification to judge and withhold our service?
We will relate to others in love, grace and humility if we are absolutely clear that God relates to us in this way. If we believe that somehow, we have earned our salvation; we will insist that others need to be deserving of our positive attention.
Whenever I am tempted to relate to people without humility; I re-read Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. It starts by understanding that the Covenant He has made with us is a gift and a blessing and the total initiative of God the Father;
HE has blessed us; HE chose us in HIM. In love HE predestined us . . . According to the purpose of HIS will . . . to the praise of HIS grace. In HIM we have redemption . . . Through HIS blood. Forgiveness is according to the riches of HIS grace.
HIS wisdom, HIS insight, HIS will, HIS purpose, HIS guarantee, HIS truth, HIS glory.
If that is not convincing enough, Paul makes this amazing and stunning statement of truth. This covenant was made “Before the foundation of the world.” God’s grace is not determined by the depth of our sin, or the glimpses of our purity, but by His choice.
Any brief moments of pure thoughts or actions did not qualify us for this covenant relationship.
Major sinful thinking or actions have not disqualified us.
Nothing in us, has surprised God and caused Him to question His choosing of us.
Taking these words into our hearts and minds helps us to see that “it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance”[1]
Remember now what Paul says: “We are not to treat fellow believers according to the way that they are; but WHAT WE COUNT THEM TO BE.”
Understanding God’s kindness to us will mean that we reflect kindness into the lives of others.
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[1] Romans 2:3-4