Read: Romans 12:3-13
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Phil. 2:3)
A person fueled by ambition is hard to get close to. Because they are regularly jockeying for position or influence, they stiff-arm any who get close or in their way.
The chief obstacle to joy and unity in a church is not the legitimate differences of opinion that we work through with committed love for one another. The real obstacle is people who approach life and relationships with an “It has to go my way” approach. As Paul observed, such people are distorted by “conceit,” which most often translates as, “I am always right.”
That is not the route to harmony and joy in the church. Never has been, never will be. But if we “in humility count others more significant than ourselves,” then we are onto something. This verse is not asking us to beat ourselves up and conclude that we have zero value. What Paul is suggesting is that we consider the possibility that there are people in our church besides ourselves who have significant gifts and ideas to offer. God has gifted others in various ways and longs for them to serve as well.
One of the greatest gifts you can give your church is to view others with eyes of grace and look compassionately for that which is positive in their lives. Doing that will make you view others as valuable.
As you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to help you to look at others with eyes of grace.
About the Author
David Walls is a pastor and writer who has served in ministry for more than 40 years.
