Esteem others better than self

Philippians 2:2 “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

Likeminded
As we serve the Lord and one another, the Lord desires us to be in the “same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

This love and mindset is not self-seeking, but rather it is to be other-esteeming; it is unconditional. It expects nothing in return. We never ought to serve to get gain, or do a good deed to be praised. We should never keep a list of what we have done for others to use it against them.

Romans 12:9 “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

We must love and serve without hypocrisy. This love is to be genuine. We are to serve others for others.

Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”



God’s Glory
Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory;

Frustration and resentment will start to build up in a person’s life when they serve to be seen. Some will only serve to be seen or they will not serve at all. The Bible mentions that this is vain. Remember, we are all servants of the Lord, and we must seek to serve for God’s glory. If we have God’s glory in mind when we serve, we will be able to serve others better and esteem them better than ourselves.

Colossians 3:22-23 “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: vs 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

Others
Philippians 2:4 “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

We all have a specific part to play in the body of Christ. One person is a foot, another a hand, and another is an eye, etc. We are to seek to help each other become all that God has planned to be in the Body. I have never seen any of my body parts not willing to help each other. When I have an itch on my leg, I use my hand to scratch it to bring some relief. I use my eyes to help me see what happened to my sore arm. When I seek to serve others with love I fulfil the Law of Christ. We are to have a heart that rejoices to see others used and blest by God and for God’s glory. 

How can this be done?  How can we esteem others better than self?

The Mind of Christ!
Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

If we are to have the mind of Christ we are to maintain a close walk with God and His Word. Jesus is the greatest example to us; He lived a life that was fully submitted to the will of the Heavenly Father.  

No Reputation/Humility
(Philippians 2:6)  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Philippians 2:7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Jesus Christ (who is God) was willing to become a servant in the likeness of a Man. What an amazing testimony! God demonstrates what it truly means to esteem others better than self. God was willing to be poor so we could be rich in Christ. God was willing to be a servant so we could be joint-heirs with Christ.

Obedient unto death
(Philippians 2:8)  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Jesus submitted to the Heavenly Father’s divine plan; however, with that submission came sacrifice. To esteem others better than ourselves means we must sacrifice.

Dr. J.H. Jowett said, “Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.” If we want to have a ministry toward God and others that truly matters, we have to be willing to make sacrifices and pay the price. This is having the Mind of Christ.