Sunday Devotional: Philippians 2:3

[Do] nothing according to selfish ambition nor according to vanity, but in humility consider one another in excess of yourselves.

We continue our series of thoughts from Philippians. Paul’s starts this section by continuing his exhortation to the Philippian church that they be united, being of one mind and purpose. This, says Paul, would complete the joy he already feels for them (see 1:3-11). He now moves into describing a major way this unity can be achieved, as well as how this unity can be demonstrated: humility. The way people within the church see one another and treat one another will affect the outcome of every disagreement.

The primary motive for the Philippians should not be personal gain–getting what I want regardless of the needs of others. Nor should it be “vanity.” The Greek term Paul uses here, kenodoxia, is literally “empty glory.” As a general rule, one shouldn’t derive one’s primary understanding of a word’s meaning from its constituent parts. However, in this case, I think it’s appropriate. After all, what is vanity? It is a glory without substance. Thinking more of ourselves than we’re really worth. Compared to the glory of God, what is our glory? Nothing! So, self-glorification should never be a primary motivating factor in our actions. (Side note: the keno- part of kenodoxia will turn up again in verse 5, where Paul speaks of Christ “emptying” himself.)

Rather, the Philippians should consider one another “in excess of yourselves.” My translation is, perhaps, overly literal, but the sense is that their thoughts and opinions for others should far exceed their thoughts and opinions of themselves. Their focus should be on how what they say and do benefits others, not how they gain personally. Rather than considering themselves glorious, and setting themselves on top of a pedestal, they should see everyone else as glorious, and worthy of higher consideration. Then, when disputes arise, no-one is trying to win the argument for their own reputation’s sake. Instead, everyone seeks to resolve the issue for the good of the church, regardless of how the outcome may affect them personally.

This verse is one of my “life verses.” For those not familiar with this phrase, a “life verse” is a verse, or passage of Scripture that speaks to you particularly, perhaps identifying a particular weakness that you need to work on, or reminding you of particular truths you are prone to forget. I have more than one, but this is one of them. I use it to remind me that I am not the center of the universe. That God, in His sovereign grace, may choose to use me for His purposes, but He doesn’t need me for anything. He can just as easily use and empower someone else. And it’s a far better use of my time and energy (and more glorifying to God) if I use the abilities He has given me to glorify Him and help others than it is to use them to puff myself up. I don’t have to be the first through the door; my time is not more precious than anyone else’s; my rights are not more important than someone else’s rights.

I pray that we all meditate on this verse, take it in, and apply it to our lives. Daily.

Have a great week!