OUR REGARD FOR OTHERS

Philippians 2:3

Mike Johnson

The book of Philippians emphasizes the importance of unity.  Paul, in Philippians 1:27, encouraged the Christians at Philippi to “. . . stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel . . . .”  In Philippians 2:2, he said they needed to be “. . . likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”  Euodias and Syntyche are encouraged by Paul to have “the same mind in the Lord” (4:2).

The first part of chapter two lists various principles that promote unity within a congregation, and one of these is in verse three.  This verse says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

What does this mean, and how do we acquire this trait?  This verse stresses the importance of humility and says that we are to esteem others above ourselves.  The NASB says, “. . . Let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” This verse is not saying that we are to go around with a negative view of ourselves and think of ourselves as “no good.”  There are undoubtedly other passages which would contradict this idea, such as the attitude expressed by Paul when he said (Phil. 4:13), “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.”  No, the Scriptures are not saying we are to have a negative attitude, but instead, the verse seems to be emphasizing that a proper view of our fellow Christians will reveal that most people (in specific ways) are better than we are.  The point is that we must learn to esteem the various good qualities and virtues of others.

The attitude taught here is not very difficult for a humble person to adopt.  Having the humble disposition that the Bible speaks of, we can more easily see value in others. Furthermore, we know our shortcomings better than anyone else does.  We do not always know others’ failures.  That is why it is easier for humble people to see their faults more than the mistakes of others and to esteem others better than themselves.

We must cultivate the attitude taught in Philippians 2:3, as well as those in other passages that promote unity, so that we can be pleasing to God.  Unity in a congregation is fundamental, and we must do our part to promote it.