Whoever Desires to Be Great (part 4)
Introduction. One of the most difficult and yet profound changes of heart Jesus came to reveal centers around how we view others. Jesus expected His disciples to see themselves as servants in every facet of their lives and everyone they meet. This service would change as opportunity and relationships changed, but from the parable of the good Samaritan we learn that even a complete stranger, never seen before and maybe never seen again, is someone we must serve if a need arises that we can meet. As already described in previous articles, there are two powerful obstacles that must be overcome to reach this goal. The first obstacle is the selfishness we learned in our youth. It is nearly impossible to serve others if we can only see our own needs and not theirs, or when what they need is in direct competition with ours. Every sin is based on the selfish use of others for our own needs. Second, we face the difficulty of giving up the comfort and self-esteem we feel when we have things making us feel superior. When serving others makes us feel demeaned and small in our own sight, it is a great hindrance to serving spontaneously and joyfully. If we have yet to “turn the other cheek” or “go the second mile”, it is because one of these hindrances is in still the way.
Paul summed up the two things we must overcome: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” (Phil. 2:3). “Selfish ambition” is: “selfish striving for advantage in a group.” (Exegetical Dictionary NT:2052). “Conceit” is “groundless self-esteem.” (Greek Lexicon NT:2754). These two emotions must be removed or we can never move forward into greatness. They were the basis of the apostles’ dispute on the road about who would become the greatest, why James and John sought to be on Jesus’ right and left hand, and why the others were so indignant when they learned of it. (Mk. 9:33-35; 10:35-45). They were under the influence of this “selfish striving for advantage in a group.” Each wanting to come out on top based on their own “groundless self-esteem.”
What is “groundless self-esteem?” Although the context is slightly different, the answer is found in the two questions Paul asked those in Corinth: “what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1Cor. 4:7). This includes all natural gifts we received at birth, along with the special abilities we now possess by our own efforts. Our body and soul were gifts from God and we have nothing to boast about. The creation giving the ability for us to take dominion over nature was also a gift from God. Think about it! “What do we have that we did not receive as a gift?” Nothing is the true answer, though it may take years of growth to accept it. As a gift, all boasting truly is “groundless.” There is no room for boasting, only for gratitude, respect and submission to God. Only if we forget or have never learned these truths would we be so deceived. Yet, this was the warning God gave Israel. Once in the promised land with wealth and prosperity, “groundless self-esteem” would occur. Each would: “say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’” To avoid this terrible fate, each must always “remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deut. 8:17-18). We need to let this sink deeply within our own hearts. There is no room for “groundless self-esteem” and “pride” when we are only looking at God in gratitude for everything we possess. God gave a similar warning through Jeremiah:
What about “selfish striving for advantage in a group?” How can we identify and remove it? In its most easily identifiable form, Jesus spoke of those who would even use God’s commands for their own selfish ends. “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 6:1). When we use our natural abilities to excel at God’s commands in order to be noticed by men, it is not true service, but only “selfish ambition.” Those who “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain,” or who “preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely,” are motivated by this same “selfish ambition.” It was this emotion Jesus sought to help the Jewish leaders to remove, but only received anger and persecution for it: “All their works they do to be seen by men,” because “they love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'” (1Tim. 6:5; Phil. 1:16; Mt. 23:5-7).
James added an additional element to help us identify if we are still under the grip of these terrible hindrances: “if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.” (James 3:14) While “self-seeking” is the same “selfish striving for advantage in a group,” “bitter envy,” is: “an envious and contentious rivalry.” (Greek Lexicon, NT:2205). There is only one difference between these. If we think we have something that makes us better than others, it is “groundless self-esteem.” If we think others have something that makes them better than us, we will feel “an envious and contentious rivalry” No matter how this selfish conceit reveals itself, we must learn enough to put them behind us.
The Holy Spirit used the human body to explain the true relationship we should have to others. The church is the body of Christ, because there is a vital similarity between the parts in our body and the members of the church. Every part of the human body does something better than other parts. The eye sees, the ear hears, the nose smells, the tongue tastes, and the fingers touch. Under each circumstance, each of these things comes to the forefront as the best. But there is no “envious and contentious rivalry” because each works for the good of the whole. Since the abilities of each member of our body never takes anything from others, there is no “groundless self-esteem.” God created the human body so “the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (1Cor. 12:25). Jesus built His church with the same goal. We must be fully invested in it.
When we can modify our emotions and attitudes to align with these truths, we will have no difficulty moving to the next level. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3-4). “Lowliness of mind” is what remains after removing selfish ambition and conceit. Finally, we see both ourselves and our role and position clearly. Paul said, “having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them,” while Peter worded it “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards.” (Rom. 12:6; 1Pet. 4:7). All our abilities, possessions and opportunities are gifts, given by the grace of God. Each person is a steward of these gifts and as those who are now “lowly in mind” we understand God expects us to minister and serve, using our gifts for others and no longer just for ourselves. We see glimmers of this truth as we are transformed by the renewing of the mind, no longer thinking “more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly.” (Rom. 12:1-3).
With this sober and clear-thinking attitude, each of us will finally esteem, consider and deem “others better than himself.” This is complex and requires careful thought. How can we see others as “surpassing in value and better” than ourselves? This is the wonderful replacement for the selfishness that once led us to see ourselves as above everyone else. Not simply putting the needs of others on an equal footing with our own, but moving them even higher. Once there, it is easy, natural and logical to “submit to one another in the fear of Christ” and be “last of all and servant of all.” (Eph. 5:12; Mk. 9:35). When we have reached this pinnacle, we will naturally and easily: “look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:4). It is important to see that we do not have to completely eliminate our own interests, only be certain that the interests of others always take priority over our own.
Conclusion: It is a long journey from the selfish desires and self-centered pride of youth to the final destination of counting others better than ourselves, submitting to them and allowing ourselves to be last of all and servant of all. But it truly is the road to greatness.
Paul summed up the two things we must overcome: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” (Phil. 2:3). “Selfish ambition” is: “selfish striving for advantage in a group.” (Exegetical Dictionary NT:2052). “Conceit” is “groundless self-esteem.” (Greek Lexicon NT:2754). These two emotions must be removed or we can never move forward into greatness. They were the basis of the apostles’ dispute on the road about who would become the greatest, why James and John sought to be on Jesus’ right and left hand, and why the others were so indignant when they learned of it. (Mk. 9:33-35; 10:35-45). They were under the influence of this “selfish striving for advantage in a group.” Each wanting to come out on top based on their own “groundless self-esteem.”
What is “groundless self-esteem?” Although the context is slightly different, the answer is found in the two questions Paul asked those in Corinth: “what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1Cor. 4:7). This includes all natural gifts we received at birth, along with the special abilities we now possess by our own efforts. Our body and soul were gifts from God and we have nothing to boast about. The creation giving the ability for us to take dominion over nature was also a gift from God. Think about it! “What do we have that we did not receive as a gift?” Nothing is the true answer, though it may take years of growth to accept it. As a gift, all boasting truly is “groundless.” There is no room for boasting, only for gratitude, respect and submission to God. Only if we forget or have never learned these truths would we be so deceived. Yet, this was the warning God gave Israel. Once in the promised land with wealth and prosperity, “groundless self-esteem” would occur. Each would: “say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’” To avoid this terrible fate, each must always “remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deut. 8:17-18). We need to let this sink deeply within our own hearts. There is no room for “groundless self-esteem” and “pride” when we are only looking at God in gratitude for everything we possess. God gave a similar warning through Jeremiah:
- Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord. (Jer. 9:23-24).
What about “selfish striving for advantage in a group?” How can we identify and remove it? In its most easily identifiable form, Jesus spoke of those who would even use God’s commands for their own selfish ends. “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 6:1). When we use our natural abilities to excel at God’s commands in order to be noticed by men, it is not true service, but only “selfish ambition.” Those who “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain,” or who “preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely,” are motivated by this same “selfish ambition.” It was this emotion Jesus sought to help the Jewish leaders to remove, but only received anger and persecution for it: “All their works they do to be seen by men,” because “they love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'” (1Tim. 6:5; Phil. 1:16; Mt. 23:5-7).
James added an additional element to help us identify if we are still under the grip of these terrible hindrances: “if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.” (James 3:14) While “self-seeking” is the same “selfish striving for advantage in a group,” “bitter envy,” is: “an envious and contentious rivalry.” (Greek Lexicon, NT:2205). There is only one difference between these. If we think we have something that makes us better than others, it is “groundless self-esteem.” If we think others have something that makes them better than us, we will feel “an envious and contentious rivalry” No matter how this selfish conceit reveals itself, we must learn enough to put them behind us.
The Holy Spirit used the human body to explain the true relationship we should have to others. The church is the body of Christ, because there is a vital similarity between the parts in our body and the members of the church. Every part of the human body does something better than other parts. The eye sees, the ear hears, the nose smells, the tongue tastes, and the fingers touch. Under each circumstance, each of these things comes to the forefront as the best. But there is no “envious and contentious rivalry” because each works for the good of the whole. Since the abilities of each member of our body never takes anything from others, there is no “groundless self-esteem.” God created the human body so “the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” (1Cor. 12:25). Jesus built His church with the same goal. We must be fully invested in it.
When we can modify our emotions and attitudes to align with these truths, we will have no difficulty moving to the next level. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3-4). “Lowliness of mind” is what remains after removing selfish ambition and conceit. Finally, we see both ourselves and our role and position clearly. Paul said, “having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them,” while Peter worded it “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards.” (Rom. 12:6; 1Pet. 4:7). All our abilities, possessions and opportunities are gifts, given by the grace of God. Each person is a steward of these gifts and as those who are now “lowly in mind” we understand God expects us to minister and serve, using our gifts for others and no longer just for ourselves. We see glimmers of this truth as we are transformed by the renewing of the mind, no longer thinking “more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly.” (Rom. 12:1-3).
With this sober and clear-thinking attitude, each of us will finally esteem, consider and deem “others better than himself.” This is complex and requires careful thought. How can we see others as “surpassing in value and better” than ourselves? This is the wonderful replacement for the selfishness that once led us to see ourselves as above everyone else. Not simply putting the needs of others on an equal footing with our own, but moving them even higher. Once there, it is easy, natural and logical to “submit to one another in the fear of Christ” and be “last of all and servant of all.” (Eph. 5:12; Mk. 9:35). When we have reached this pinnacle, we will naturally and easily: “look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:4). It is important to see that we do not have to completely eliminate our own interests, only be certain that the interests of others always take priority over our own.
Conclusion: It is a long journey from the selfish desires and self-centered pride of youth to the final destination of counting others better than ourselves, submitting to them and allowing ourselves to be last of all and servant of all. But it truly is the road to greatness.
- “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt. 23:11-12)
- “whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.” (Mk. 10:43-44)