Friday, February 26

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-5

There is something different and attractive about Christians who view themselves as less important than others. What often strikes us about many people is not their humility – it’s their conceit. When I worked as a camp counselor at a Christian camp, we would give the “I Am Third” award to the camper(s) who’s actions reflected that they had God first, others second, and themselves third in their hearts. Ironically, It was the most coveted award in camp and kids would try to outdo each other in selfless acts.

How does a spirit of humility impact non-Christians?

Many non-Christians already feel believers are arrogant and conceited. You have probably heard comments about the hypocrisy, narrow-mindedness and arrogance of “those Christians”. Sadly; there are many Christians who portray the confidence they have in the love and forgiveness of Christ as a kind of spiritual arrogance or elitism. This kind of attitude is in direct conflict with the heart of the gospel message; we are all sinners in desperate need of the grace of God through Christ!

The Sri-Lankan born evangelist D.T. Niles once famously and appropriately said, “Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”

Or as Paul wrote to Titus; He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:5

One of the most attractive qualities in a person who truly knows and follows Christ is their joyful humility. In our world where most people are consumed with themselves, their needs, their schedule, their importance, we have a wonderful opportunity to put on display the humility, joy and freedom of living differently!

Ask God to cause the importance of others to increase in your mind and your own importance to decrease.

Ask God to give you an opportunity today to tell somebody how important he or she is to you.

Jeff Frazier