May 14
Arrogance vs. Low Self Esteem
Philippians 2:3-4

 

  1. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
  2. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 

Instead of getting into strife and pride he says to esteem each other better than ourselves.  Rather than fighting or arguing for our own purposes or promotion we’re told to think more highly of others than we do ourselves.  We’re to look out not just for ourselves but for others as well.

For some, thinking more highly of others than themselves is not a hard thing.  Some have such a low opinion of themselves that they always think others are ‘better’ than them.  He’s not saying to beat yourself up and sabotage your own efforts so others will look good.  Verse 4 says to look also on the things of others.  This doesn’t mean you neglect yourself or don’t take care of yourself and your God given plans, but it means you’re not arrogant in your efforts.

Many people are arrogant and prideful because they’re not sure how to deal with a low self-image.  The world teaches arrogance and pride as the answer to a low self-esteem.  God’s desire is for us to know who we are in Christ and have a good understanding of that and then we can do what these verses say properly without getting off on either end.

 

Confession:

I will not do anything through strife or vainglory.  I will look out for others and not just myself.  I will find out who I am in Christ so I’m better able to do this.

 

 

Obedience is a tree of life!