September 23, 2024
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: Romans 12:10
PART OF HUMILITY IS HAVING a preset mentality that determines thoughts like this:
"I care about those around me."
PART OF HUMILITY IS HAVING a preset mentality that determines thoughts like
this:
"I care about those around me."
"Why do I have to be first? Today I'm going to help someone else win."
"It's my sincere desire to curb my competitive tendencies and turn that
energy into encouraging at least one other person."
Now, before we get neck deep into this unselfish lifestyle, we need to
determine if it is, in fact, promoted in Scripture. Does the Bible come
right up front and encourage living like this? I'll let you determine the
answer. Read this New Testament statement slowly . . . and don't skip one
word!
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each
other.
ROMANS 12:10
Those words (there are many others) have a rare ring to them, don't they?
In fact, some who read those verses might misunderstand and think I'm
advocating inferiority. For your sake, two more biblical passages are
needed:
I don't consider myself inferior in any way to these "super apostles" who
teach such things. . . . You ought to be writing commendations for me, for
I am not at all inferior to these "super apostles," even though I am
nothing at all.
2 CORINTHIANS 11:5; 12:11
Authentic humility in no way should be confused with incompetence or lack
of assurance. As a matter of fact, it is doubtful that anyone who wrestles
with an unhealthy self-image can correctly and adequately give to others.
Inferiority and unselfishness cannot coexist. There was nothing inferior
about Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe. But He laid all that glory
aside for you . . . and for me. Pause, and let that sink in.