Being Significant

 

Philippians 2:3

What have you learned about being significant?  Is it not something you hope for and desire, is it not the one thing that gives us a dream, the desire to study, to give time to a problem that is not yet solved?  Some words that might come to your mind when you think of the word “significant” are; notable, noteworthy, worthy of attention, remarkable, important, of consequence, just to list a few. That came to mind when I read Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”  You have got to be kidding!

New flash, drop everything and go to the parking lot of any Christian church building on Sunday and watch the Christian put others first as they try to be the first one to their favorite restaurant for Sunday lunch.  That scene can be more dangerous than a Houston freeway at rush hour.  The only difference is they are not using the sign language that may be used later in the week, because it is the church parking lot.

I never took a class in school on humility, or in counting others more significant that myself, but I do recall mother and dad requiring me to show politeness to adults and be kind to stray dogs, but that is so far from, “but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”  I am not sure about you, but I may have a problem, not with the apostle Paul, but with self.  It is verse five that tells me, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” is he saying, that Jesus, who is my life according to the gospel, has given me a mind to die to self, and be like my Lord?  If you have any doubt of this pick up your Bible and read in Philippians 2:5-11.

For me this is a day of self-examination, and I came to Proverbs 25:27, it has meaning for me because for many years I was a beekeeper.  When you are taking the honey the capping and the honeycomb are full of honey and many times I’ve almost made myself sick by eating too much honey.  That is why it is such a good comparison, “It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.”  So why do you do it, sorry, why do I do it?  The psalmist has this to say in Psalms 36:2, “For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.”  It is also easy to be conceited, but to date I’ve not met anyone who would own up to that truth, but Galatians 6:3, state it maybe a good place to begin this self-examination.  My friend James the apostle may have hit it on the head; “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.” (James 1:22)  In your examination check out Revelations 3:17, it may not be the way you think it is.

My history is full of failing tests as a student, and as an adult, and I have many bought lessons, some repeats, and a few that left deep scars, but I’ve done the examination of 2 Corinthians 13:5, and I passed.  It is the most important test you have ever taken, when it is passed, your life, your heart and mind will be free.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice