Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Philippians 2:3 KJV
Good Morning Beautiful,
Philippians 2:3, it opens up by stating, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory.” This verse tells us the importance of humility and selflessness. So, I ask you, what is the state of your heart this morning?
- Are you wrapped up in self?
- Do you still blame others for your shortcomings?
- have you learned to trust God or do you still try to negotiate with God by telling Him all the reasons why it’s your turn to be blessed?
The answers to your question, is it showing that you are walking in the labor of self? Or are you walking in the labor of love?
When walking in the labor of love, you are practicing the art of self-examination. Self-examination should be the goal for every person here on this earth. When we choose to examine ourselves, we are opening the door to vulnerability. Vulnerability is the act in which we are most open and desperate; this is where God wants us to be. Some may say that being vulnerable is weak, but we are made strong in God in our weakness.
How So?
In my time of weakness, I had to learn what vulnerability meant–understanding that God asked me to be humble and knowing that I could let others shine (affirming and empowering) while being in the midst of my storm. I know that it is hard to think of others when you feel the spotlight should be on you. Especially when it appears you are the one in dire need. However, when you understand the true meaning of love, you learn that you can rejoice for others as they experience their season of blessing. Sometimes, God needs you to be focused on others so He can focus on you! I say that because when we think that we are the fixer, we can tend to ruin things thinking that we have to be in control.
God had to show me that taking eyes off of myself was not saying that “I” forgot about me (thinking that I lost sight of the goal). Practicing humility helped me see that God is love, and He is the definition of Agape love. When using Agape to express love, it indicates God’s nature and His will for his children. God wants us to be selfless, choosing to have the mind of Christ “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Agape is powerful because it encompasses all the attributes of love (i.e., humility, vulnerability, selflessness).
How to practice Love
Agape is the model of love that we need to practice. First, be open with God. We need to love God just as much as He loves us even while God chastises us. We reject it too often because we have misinterpreted love thinking that it isn’t supposed to hurt. The same God that parted the red sea for the Israelites is the same God that sent His Son to die on the Cross for our sins (see John 3:16). If you don’t already know, Jesus’ time on this earth was not all peachy. In God showing Love, He experienced rejection, being ridiculed, dismissed, passed up, ignored, talked about, laughed at, and killed–This showed me that love isn’t just an action but is purposeful.
Love can hurt at times, and it can be painful, but you show up anyways. I learned that love isn’t me just showing up and doing for others. Love is in the act of purposefully being there– Choosing to show up when my presence was less desired or when it seems I am walking into a trap door of rejection, disappointment, and hurt. Love is when I choose to be myself– the good and the ugly.
God calls for us to stand on His Word!
Reflect
- What were some of your happiest moments in life?
- How does being humble benefit us?
