I have been enriched lately with a study of Philippians.

The key, I believe, to chapter two of Philippians is found in verse 3. “Let nothing be done through strife (just to cause conflicts) or vainglory (empty self-promotion), but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than themselves.” The lowly mind is given in principle at the end of this verse, and in illustration by the four people mentioned in the rest of the chapter: Jesus, Timothy, Paul, and Epaphroditus. The Philippians, and we are admonished to have the same mind.  What does it mean to esteem others better than myself? It is NOT speaking of a morbid self-deprecation, of thinking we are no good for anything. In fact, Paul told the Romans we should think of ourselves soberly, according to the faith we are given. (chap. 12). Instead, it simply means that we put the needs of others ahead of our own pleasures. Christ, for example, left the spender of heaven to become a servant, then be treated as a criminal for our redemption. We are His trophy for His putting us ahead of Himself. Epaphroditus was close to death because of his desire to serve Paul in behalf of his home church. Modern illustrations of this are all around us. A mother gives up sleep to nurse her baby or care for her sick child. A husband will at times need to give up his expectations for the evening when he discerns his wife is exhausted from caring for their child that day. Pastors lay down their lives for their sheep. Employees might give of their best only to be misunderstood by the boss. The list goes on. Just remember, when you put the needs of others ahead of your own desires, God notices and promises great reward. Jesus is the ultimate example. He is highly exalted. To the degree that we exemplify the mind of Christ, we can expect a “well done” reward from Him.