How to Consider Others Better Than Yourself
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Yikes, that verse stings! Selfish ambition is kind of the default response for humans. We want to protect ourselves, be the ones to excel, and we want to be heard. It’s so hard to live against these impulses. I think we all can relate when Paul said I do the things I don’t want to! (Romans 7:15-20)
The Bible tells us that we must live with the “fear of God.” Fear sounds like a scary word today, but what it means is that we are called to live humble lives before God. My son is researching Isaac Newton for school. One quote from Newton says that just the human fingerprint should be enough to convince you that God exists. Isaac Newton lived with the fear of the Lord! He understood that God’s power, intelligence, and creative ability is something that exceeds our wildest imaginations. Creation is so complex, perfectly orchestrated, and filled with such beauty – this could not be an accident!
We consider others better than ourselves, quite simply because God tells us to. When we live humbly and obediently before the Lord, then much of our actions come from a heart to follow him. He tells us to seek humble, quiet, service filled lives, so that is what our pursuit should be. A life of reverent obedience to the Lord is a humble one.
This one may feel counterintuitive but it's a lesson I’ve learned over and over again as a mom and wife. When I am completely tapped out, I am terrible at remaining humble and kind. I become short tempered, self-focused, and impatient. Allowing my physical or mental health to deteriorate results in me becoming more of a burden to those I want to consider better than myself. We can’t always control what happens to our bodies and minds, but living with intentionality, doing our best to nurture healthy habits and create rhythms in our lives that include rest can go a long way in protecting ourselves from burnout and pain.
The Bible teaches that we are to rest weekly and that our bodies are a temple. Honoring God and others includes caring for yourself. Remember humility is not martyrdom, it's a modest view of your own importance. You matter. God loves you. He also loves your neighbor. You're called to care for both yourself and for that neighbor too. The story of your life is meant to be bigger than just you!
Humility for me feels like something we all struggle to get just right. So often we are either too focused on others or too focused on ourselves. Thankfully, God is patient and kind with us and continues to teach us his ways and show us his path. When our hearts are surrendered to Him, then we will continue to grow in humility and grace.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/jacoblund
