CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER AS MORE IMPORTANT

This year's blog posts emphasize the significance of two prominent words from the New Testament, "one another," highlighting their essential role in nurturing a healthy and dynamic church community.

The first post of the year stated that all the "one anothers" in the New Testament express Christ's command to the church: "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34).

The second post explored expressing love through “Greeting one another with a holy kiss” or “kiss of love,” similar to handshaking and hugging in today's culture. It symbolizes honor, acceptance, care, and concern for people.

This month's post examines the phrase, “Consider one another as more important than yourself” (Philippians 2:3). Rather than focusing on actions or words directed towards fellow believers, "considering one another" refers to an attitude that guides appropriate behavior towards them.

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Philippi because he was concerned that the church’s unity and love for one another would be severely damaged by the sinful mindset (or attitude) of self-centeredness which surrounded them.  The city of Philippi was filled with Roman citizens who embraced two main roman values.  First, they viewed themselves as superior to every other people group.  Second, they demanded that they receive all the rights and privileges which Roman citizens were afforded.

Attitudes of superiority and self-centeredness invariably lead to conflict and division. Self-love and a sense of self-importance contribute to contention and animosity.

In Philippians 2:3, Paul advises believers against adopting attitudes of selfishness and empty conceit. 

Selfishness involves engaging in actions or making statements to influence others for personal gain. This concept can be likened to certain political figures who may make promises and statements solely to secure election, without a genuine intention of fulfilling those commitments.

Empty conceit involves behaviors or words which are intended to gain the accolades and honor of men.  People with this mindset seek their own glory rather than the glory of God.

Philippians 1:15-17 illustrates individuals motivated by selfish ambition and empty conceit. Some preachers exploited Paul's imprisonment and their influential positions to diminish his status among the churches and elevate their own. Their desire was for recognition and honor from others.

Paul encourages every believer to adopt an attitude of humility when considering one’s brothers and sisters in Christ, as stated in Philippians 2:3. 

Humility is possessing an accurate evaluation of oneself with respect to God.  It is a human beings acknowledgement that God is in charge, that man is dependent upon God, and that He is the most important Person in life.  Furthermore, God is under no obligation to save a sinner, and that salvation is a work of God and His grace.  It is this mindset which permeates one’s relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ.

Jesus is the supreme example of considering others as more important than Himself (Philippians 2:5-11).  Jesus has every right to exercise His authority, power, and will (or self-determination).  In His incarnation and death, He emptied Himself of the independent use of His attributes to pay the penalty for sins. 

Jesus deserves the worship, love, devotion, and service of man, His creation.  He even possesses the right to demand it.  Rather than demand what is rightfully His, He lovingly and voluntarily became a man and a servant of men, doing what is in their best interest.

When reflecting on the “one anothers” in the New Testament, these are often perceived solely as actions. However, actions are the result of underlying mindsets—attitudes regarding oneself, others, and God. It is imperative that we assess our attitudes through the lens of Jesus' teachings and life, and regard one another as more important than ourselves.