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"Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]."- Philippians 2:3 (AMP)

This verse is very difficult to swallow, if we are completely honest with ourselves.

Every human mind on the planet naturally resists this verse, if they are honest. Antagonism, evil competitiveness, jealousy, hatred, murder, and a myriad of other negative consequences dwell where this principle is not the rule. There is something deep down in our fallen nature that instantly resists and rebels against what this verse says. And it implies even more.

Paul is giving a key to enable us to fulfil a command of Jesus: "But I say to you who are listening now to Me: in order to heed, make it a practice to love your enemies, treat well (do good to, act nobly toward) those who detest you and pursue you with hatred, Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you]. To the one who strikes you on the jaw or cheek, offer the other jaw or cheek also; and from him who takes away your outer garment, do not withhold your undergarment as well." - Luke 6:27-29 (AMP).

To consider from the heart others - all others - as better than ourselves must be an active state of mind and spirit, or we could not obey Jesus command. Considering others first in all activities is an enablement by the Holy Spirit, and cannot be lived out unless He is actively leading in every aspect of life. Paul is giving the Phillippians the starting point that enables the Holy Spirit to empower us in all relationships with others - all others. Pauls command also is the starting point for living out the law of love in our lives that he gives us in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8:

"Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]."

This section of scripture is one of the most inspiring and glorious part of the Bible. The irony is that it is vitually impossible to live these glorious statements about love in action unless Philippians 2:3 is being lived out in our hearts and lives. This kind of mind set can only be implanted in our heart by the Holy Spirit. If you are new in the faith, considering others as better than yourself in every way - yes, in EVERY way - will enable you to grow in grace and knowledge to an extent not possible without this foundation. Your spiritual progress depends on it. (2 Peter 3:18).

Praying for others first increases our love for them - regardless of the relationship. The more we pray for others first, the more the Holy Spirit will work in their lives, and the more He will work in our lives proportionately. Pray for others first, and the Holy Spirit will hear and respond to our prayers simlmotaniously. Many prayers remain unanswered today because of neglect to pray for someone who needs our prayers first. It is natural to want to take our concerns and needs to Christ mercy seat first, then as an after thought, pray for someone who needs our prayers. A song from many years ago became popular at the time included the phrase, "one of God's greatest blessings is unanswered prayer!" Ironically, this may be true at times. However, it is amazing how much quicker God responds to our petitions to Him, if we remember others first.

By putting others first in all relationships, actions, activities, conversations, even your thoughts, Something is being created as a new creation inside your heart. The Holy Spirit will guide and guard your mind, while leading you to live a life of putting others first in all good things. Paul was committed to this way, which empowered him to save others. He put others first by adapting himself to all their circumstances, putting others first, before himself. so that he could lead them to Christ:

"To the weak (wanting in discernment) I have become weak (wanting in discernment) that I might win the weak and over scrupulous. I have [in short] become all things to all men, that I might by all means (at all costs and in any and every way) save some [by winning them to faith in Jesus Christ]." - 1 Corinthians 9:22 (AMP).

Through this struggle to put others first comes character - the character of God. Jesus came to earth and gave Himself up - He put you and me first. Now He is exhalted forever. Your struggle to put others first and yourself last, will result in living for eternity, born into His family - because you put Him first.

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said to them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" - Mark 8:34-36

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

The Curse is Gone