Don’t do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 GNT
The Christian character is set before us in manifold and diversified ways in the Bible. As we come to this verse, we see Paul teaching us about unity. He made plain to us that there are no greater foes against unity, than that party spirit which causes men to take sides on any question, and mars their oneness of aim, or that empty self-conceit which fills a man with undue esteem for himself.
However, it is important to understand the subtle introduction to this very injunction. While this verse gives an instruction we would love everyone to be live by, but the truth is that not everyone can. Because without the seed of salvation there shall be no fruit of righteousness and holiness. So we read in the introduction:
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Philippians 2:1-2 NLT
The truth is that unless a man belong to Christ as highlighted in the verse one, he cannot obey the later instructions. Because he does not have the mind of Christ, so he cannot live the righteous life.
Therefore, for those belonging to Christ, who have comfort from His love, do not be selfish. Do nothing, no matter how great or small, from a selfish ambition. Let there be no root of the desire to boast in everything you do. Such character makes a man’s self-importance range him in opposition to everybody else.
The lust of vainglory, whereby a man pursues after the applause of men than to be approved of God, is the mother of contention and strife and unfriendly to unity and peace. On the other hand, he is presenting to us humility as an antidote to strife. We are called to always consider others better ourselves.
