Elevate Others

Do you remember your first ride on an elevator? Oh, I do. Mom would take us to our dentist who was several floors up in a tall downtown building. I also remember it was the only good part of going to the dentist! Paul wrote, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourself." (Philippians 2:3). Think about why God gave Paul these words: because He knew human nature, which is to elevate ourselves over others. In his book, A Little Book on the Christian Life, John Calvin writes, "our self-love ruins us ... to such a degree that we not only swell up but almost burst with pride." Yes, of course, we are to have a healthy view of who we are - "See what kind of love The Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3:1). We are, however, [as God commands] to put the good of others ahead of ourselves. Don't know about you but several people easily come to my mind as I consider their lifestyle of "others first." What a testimony they are and what a challenge to us all to elevate others in obedience to Christ. Perhaps the next time you step onto an elevator, we'll be reminded it's others who are to take that ride!